Inability of PT Anderson to create a normal length feature film probably is influenced by his love for his own cinematic proficiency and refusal to frugally cut his movies.
This movie is advertised as a comedy-drama. There is nothing comedic in its turgid plot about impending civil war in America. It is positively depressing and after 2 hours 40 minutes of unrelenting angst -- though the latter half is more dynamic -- the viewer comes out as totally wasted.
Of course, what is considered a mediocre movie by PTA is unreachable heights for most of the current Hollywood directors.
