Location Shooting
I know that movies have to shoot where they have to shoot, due to budgetary and other considerations.
But, considering how rooted in the South that this movie is, I would have wished that they had shot exteriors down in a Southern town. To Lumet's credit, he did make the most of the New York town where they did shoot. I just think they would have gotten more out of some more Southern atmosphere.
I. Drink. Your. Milkshake! [slurp!] I DRINK IT UP! - Daniel Plainview - There Will Be Blood