Part 13- The Further Resentment Towards Eli


Here is Daniel buying the ranch from the Sunday family. The whole conversation basically involves Eli calling Daniel out on his search for oil and turning it into a bidding war. Eli demands $10 000 "for the church" and Daniel gives him another stare down, he knows something is up. Daniel then makes it clear that he will buy the property for $5 000, and he offers the church a $5 000 "bonus"* down the line. When they go to shake hands Daniel, Eli, and HW shake in the traditional method when you are saying grace before a meal. Daniel breaks from his grasp in a resentful manner and makes his leave. This is because Daniel is onto Eli, he knows he's a schemer, just like Paul, and he makes his money through the church. This is expanded on much later in the movie but Daniel's sense that Eli is a phony is apparent the entire movie and further proof exemplifies that.

*Daniel describes the majority of the money he gives to people as "bonuses". It's a fine example at his mastery of wordplay as the word bonus always comes off as "something extra" even though the bonus is probably the only money Daniel gives you.