When Paul Thomas Anderson steps behind the camera, audiences can expect nothing short of a cinematic event, and “One Battle After Another” delivers on that promise. This American thriller stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob, an ex-revolutionary forced to navigate a dangerous world to protect his daughter. Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel “Vineland,” the film blends explosive action with a deeply personal story of family, loyalty, and survival. Here are ten facts about the picture that is already generating heavy Oscar buzz.
A Missed Opportunity
Long before “One Battle After Another,” Paul Thomas Anderson tried to cast Leonardo DiCaprio as Dirk Diggler in “Boogie Nights.” At the time, DiCaprio chose to star in “Titanic” instead, a decision he has since admitted he regrets. Reflecting on the film years later, he called it “a profound movie of my generation” and marveled at Anderson’s craftsmanship. It wasn’t until later that DiCaprio truly appreciated the masterpiece he had passed on.
Pynchon on the Big Screen, Again
“One Battle After Another” marks Paul Thomas Anderson’s second time adapting a Thomas Pynchon novel for the movies, following 2014’s “Inherent Vice.” Interestingly, Benicio del Toro appears in both films, bringing a familiar presence to Anderson’s Pynchon-inspired worlds.
A High-Stakes Production
With a reported budget between $130 million and $175 million, “One Battle After Another” is Paul Thomas Anderson’s most expensive film to date. This is especially striking given that his highest-grossing film, “There Will Be Blood,” earned just $76 million during its original release. The massive investment reflects the scale, ambition, and star power packed into this thriller.
A Farewell to a Trusted Collaborator
“One Battle After Another” marks the fifth and final feature film Paul Thomas Anderson made with first assistant director Adam Somner. The two had built a long creative partnership, collaborating on “There Will Be Blood,” “The Master,” “Inherent Vice,” and “Licorice Pizza.” Sadly, Somner passed away from thyroid cancer on November 27 last year, making this project a poignant capstone to their work together.
A Star in the Making
“One Battle After Another” marks the film debut of Chase Infiniti, who plays Leonardo DiCaprio’s daughter. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Infiniti has already made waves with her performance in the Apple TV+ series “Presumed Innocent.” A Columbia College Chicago graduate, she trained in kickboxing and co-founded a K-pop cover dance group, showcasing her versatile talents.
A Return to VistaVision
“One Battle After Another” is only the second film of the 21st century to be shot primarily in VistaVision, following “The Brutalist.” VistaVision is a high-resolution film format developed in the 1950s that runs 35mm film horizontally through the camera, producing a larger negative and sharper image than standard 35mm. This technique gives the movie a distinctive, crisp visual quality, making the action sequences and sweeping landscapes feel even more immersive.
A Star-Studded Paycheck
Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly earned his usual $25 million fee for starring in “One Battle After Another.” While hefty, this sum reflects both his box-office draw and his status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading men. The investment underscores the film’s ambition and the weight of having DiCaprio lead such a high-profile project.
A Title with Revolutionary Roots
The name “One Battle After Another” comes directly from a 1969 statement by the radical group The Weather Underground, published in New Left Notes, a periodical of the Students for a Democratic Society. The line, “From here on out, it’s one battle after another,” reflects the relentless spirit of activism that inspired the film’s narrative.
From Inspiration to Creation
Paul Thomas Anderson had long considered adapting Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland” but worried that his deep admiration for the book might hinder a faithful adaptation. Rather than forcing a direct retelling, he set the idea aside and began crafting a series of original stories. Over time, these separate narratives coalesced into “One Battle After Another,” with select elements of “Vineland”—most notably the father-daughter relationship—woven seamlessly into the film.
Almost in the Cast
Before the final ensemble was set, Paul Thomas Anderson had considered Regina Hall, Viggo Mortensen, and Joaquin Phoenix for key roles in “One Battle After Another.” Each actor brought their own gravitas and distinctive style, and their involvement would have offered a very different dynamic on screen. Scheduling conflicts and other commitments ultimately prevented their participation.
