Many have seen the film as a commentary on the nature of capitalism and greed, and its inherent national presence in America.[12] Daniel Plainview's "I have a competition in me" speech has been looked upon as important when analyzing the film from this angle.[13]
David Denby of The New Yorker described the film as being about "the driving force of capitalism as it both creates and destroys the future" and goes on to say that "this movie is about the vanishing American frontier. The thrown-together buildings look scraggly and unkempt, the homesteaders are modest, stubborn, and reticent, but, in their undreamed-of future, Wal-Mart is on the way."[14]
Others have noted themes of faith, religion, and family.[15] James Christopher of The Times viewed the film as "a biblical parable about America's failure to square religion and greed."[16]
