snuffleupagus said:
First time I saw it I loved it, then the second time I realized Cameron Diaz's character wasn't necessary and just a pointless "love interest" for the sake of having one, and on third viewing found much of the second act to be fat in need of some trim and the ending is about as tacky as Bono opening his jacket to reveal his American Flag fabric.
In retrospect it's got a spectacular first act and a lot of good material, but it slows down a lot and doesn't know if it's a blockbuster or a personal drama. If you like DDL and the period-ness of it, check out "There Will Be Blood". Same time period, similar themes.
Yeah I can understand where you are coming from. I will say this, it's probably one of the best built movie sets I've ever seen.
I didn't find "There Will Be Blood" to be that amazing. It's given that Daniel Day Lewis was amazing in it. I find it funny though alot of the issues you mentioned editing wise with Gangs of New York are the same ones I'd say are the problem with There Will Be Blood.