Could Daniel Plainview From The Movie "There Will Be Blood" Pull It Off As A CEO?

If there’s one thing Daniel Plainview knows, it’s business—or more specifically, crushing everyone in his path to dominate the oil industry. But in today’s corporate world, where teamwork, empathy, and trust are as valued as profits, could Daniel’s cutthroat mentality make him a successful CEO?

Let’s break it down trait by trait, rank his potential, and find out if he’s boardroom material or just plain trouble.

1. Experience: Could Daniel’s Oil Empire Translate to the C-Suite?

"There's a whole ocean of oil under our feet, and no one can get at it except for me."

Daniel's experience in building his oil empire is undeniable. He knows how to spot opportunities, dig deep (literally), and scale operations. However, his methods are… let’s say “unconventional,” and by unconventional, we mean borderline homicidal. Still, for sheer determination, we give him:

Ranking: 8/10

"I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!"

While this line perfectly illustrates his dominance, it’s not exactly a shining example of effective corporate communication. Daniel’s tendency to yell, intimidate, and monologue about “drinking milkshakes” would alienate most employees. But hey, he’s passionate!

Ranking: 5/10

3. Team Building: Does Daniel Play Well With Others?

"One night, I'm gonna come to you, inside of your house, wherever you're sleeping, and I'm gonna cut your throat."

Um… yeah, Daniel’s not much of a team player. His “teams” are more like minions or pawns. Collaboration isn’t his strong suit, and he’s more likely to threaten his staff than host a trust-building retreat.

Ranking: 2/10

4. Company Vision: Can He Inspire the Boardroom?

"I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed."

Daniel’s vision is clear: dominate the market. He’s a strategic thinker, always several steps ahead. While he’s great at long-term planning, his inability to embrace shared success might scare off shareholders.

Ranking: 7/10

5. Leadership Skills: Motivator or Dictator?

"If you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake..."

Daniel’s "leadership" revolves around fear, power, and competition. Employees would follow him out of dread rather than respect, and that’s not exactly modern leadership material.

Ranking: 4/10

6. Empathy Skills: Can Daniel Connect With People?

"I see the worst in people."

Let’s just say Daniel wouldn’t win “Boss of the Year.” Empathy is non-existent in his toolkit, and connecting with others emotionally is about as likely as him joining a yoga class.

Ranking: 1/10

7. Crisis Management: Does He Stay Cool Under Pressure?

"Don't be thick in front of me, Al."

When things get tough, Daniel gets mean. While he’s excellent at finding solutions, his explosive temperament during crises would make HR departments everywhere sweat.

Ranking: 6/10

8. Risk Taker: Bold or Reckless?

"I’m an oil man."

Daniel is no stranger to risk. He’ll dig deep—literally and figuratively—to strike gold. While his boldness is commendable, it sometimes veers into recklessness, which could lead to PR nightmares.

Ranking: 9/10

9. Trust: Can You Count On Daniel?

"You're just a bastard from a basket!"

Trust and Daniel Plainview go together like oil and water. His manipulative, self-serving nature would raise eyebrows among employees, partners, and regulators alike.

Ranking: 3/10

10. Last Ability in the Role: Could He Sustain the Job?

Given his tendency to self-destruct and isolate himself, Daniel might not last long in the CEO role. The pressure of modern corporate governance would likely push him over the edge.