Spielberg Raves About "One Battle After Another"

Acclaimed director Steven Spielberg has lauded praises on Paul Thomas Anderson's film version of Thomas Pynchon's novel, "One Battle After Another," after an exclusive preview in Los Angeles this week.

During a panel discussion following the screening, Spielberg stated he had watched the film three times already, showing his admiration for the action-packed movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a paranoid, fallen revolutionary seeking his lost daughter (played by Chase Infiniti).

“What a frenzied movie, truly incredible,” were Spielberg's words reported by The Film Stage. “The first hour alone holds more action than any other film you've directed combined," he told Anderson. "This film is a fusion of elements so peculiar and yet strangely relevant, that have arguably gained more relevance even after the conclusion of your screenplay and the start of production.”

Spielberg also drew comparisons between the film and Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 black comedy, Dr. Strangelove. He observed, “This film adds a sense of absurdist humor, which is a reflection of today's societal concerns, taken seriously and yet invites laughter, just like Kubrick used armageddon as a narrative device. There's a similar sense of absurdity, coupled with seriousness, that makes you want to laugh as a relief. I found myself laughing nervously but thoroughly enjoying it, much like my experience with Dr. Strangelove."

Spielberg and Anderson also discussed working with DiCaprio. Spielberg directed the actor in 2002’s "Catch Me If You Can," and asked Anderson if DiCaprio often rushed to the monitor to watch his takes, something Anderson confirmed occasionally happened.

Anderson praised DiCaprio's tendency of downplaying his ideas before presenting them. Spielberg agreed, adding, “It was a pleasure to watch him in this, and Sean Penn as well. This is, for me, Penn’s best performance in his career."

DiCaprio had expressed his desire to work with Anderson for years, even regretting passing on the 1997 film Boogie Nights due to his commitment to Titanic.

"One Battle After Another" is set to release in theaters on September 26 with the official critics' review pending.