Eli Sunday delivers a fiery, aggressive sermon to his congregation, mocking those who question the necessity of blood atonement and the intellect of God. He performs a theatrical 'healing' on a frail woman to demonstrate his divine power while Daniel Plainview watches skeptically from the back of the church.
## INT. ELI'S CHURCH. DAY 60
ELI SUNDAY:
-.and from that day to this when a man has been a sinner and has covered himself, it has been by and through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Every Jew covered his sins and received pardon through the blood of the rams and the doves! An infidel that I met in Isabella County said to me once, (mimics voice) "But…
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Format: Scene · Genre: Drama · Source: There Will Be Blood · Author: Paul Thomas Anderson · Characters: Eli Sunday, Down Here To Consult You With Your, Great Intellect And Wonderful Brain, You Think God Is Just Gonna Stand, By And Listen To Your Sniveling And, I Said
This scene features Eli Sunday delivering a highly charged and theatrical sermon within his church. He passionately preaches about the necessity of blood atonement and aggressively dismisses anyone who questions divine authority, culminating in a dramatic "healing" performance. The scene is presented as a group piece, yet allows a single actor to command the spotlight with Eli's powerful monologue and confrontational rhetoric, making it a compelling showcase.
Eli Sunday is portrayed as a charismatic, yet manipulative, young preacher who expertly wields religious fervor for his own gain. He possesses an intense, almost fanatical, devotion to his version of faith, which he uses to assert authority and control over his congregation. Despite his youthful age, Eli projects an image of unwavering conviction and power, making him a formidable and complex figure. This character embodies traits of a villain and an authority figure, driven by ambition under the guise of piety.
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions due to its demonstration of a wide emotional range and strong characterization. It allows an actor to showcase their ability to command a space, build theatrical tension, and convey both fiery conviction and underlying calculation. The confrontational nature of Eli's speech and his subsequent "healing" act provide ample opportunity for dynamic physical and vocal choices, proving versatility in performance. Its powerful tone and dramatic arc make it highly memorable.
This audition piece is particularly well-suited for male actors aged 18-25 who are looking to embody a "character actor" type, or individuals who can project intense and quirky energy. It is ideal for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or self-tape submissions where a memorable and impactful performance is desired. The scene clearly highlights skills in portraying an authority figure with a dark edge, making it perfect for those aspiring to play nuanced antagonists.
When performing this scene, focus on Eli's escalating intensity and the undercurrent of manipulation beneath his religious fervor. Pay close attention to his vocal shifts, transitioning from a preacher's cadence to a more aggressive, almost mocking, tone when addressing perceived skeptics. Physically, use the imagined space of the church to your advantage, engaging your audience (the congregation) and using gestures to emphasize Eli's conviction and theatricality. Remember the presence of Daniel Plainview watching skeptically, even if not explicitly played by another actor, as this adds another layer of performance awareness.