Because after getting enough money for his mansion and a running business, as well as losing his son, he still had a loose end to tie. What's funny about it is that he knew that loose end would come knocking at his door in the form of Eli who is reduced to being a radio preacher and wanted to do business one last time. Of course we know the result of that.
Am I the only one who thought Daniel was Lying to H.W. at the end because he was jealous?
I'm under the impression that Daniel really did love H.W., but the fact he would soon be his son's rival was too much for him to handle in his fragile mental state.
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I do think he was lying, but more because he felt betrayed and abandoned, even though that clearly wasn't H.W's intent. "Bastard from a basket," was just Plainview lashing out and trying to hurt his son, pulling the old "Yeah, well, I never loved you anyway" card. Despite claims to the contrary, Daniel really doesn't seem to like being alone (which could be why he drinks so much), but in true sociopathic fashion, would rather pin his misery on everyone else.
Edited by Robotnik
I think the reason why he said those things to H.W. is because he knows how ruthless you got to be when you are an oil tycoon. At least while they were working together he could look after H.W. he would make sure that H.W. didn't turn out as bad as he is. However H.W. Thought he could impress his father by doing what he did and got the reaction he didn't expect.
Wait, there are people who think Day-Lewis's scenery-chewing performance was NOT intended to be over-the-top? That's kind of the entire point, as pointed out in the so-called Fridge Brilliance entry.
How is the conclusion of the film more of a case of Earn Your Happy Ending? If Daniel was happy, he wouldn't be spending most of his time in a drunken stupor. Certainly he prefers being alone to being Surrounded by Idiots, but that doesn't mean he's happy.
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