that his transformation is obviously intrinsically tied to the disabling of his son and the arrival of his "brother.

I can say for myself that I'm glad it avoids political themes and commenting on the modern state of the oil industry. That would probably have simplified the film far too much even in Anderson's hands. I'm really kind of surprised that people are upset by that as every recent politically reverent film has either been dismissed or dismembered by critic and audience alike. Lions for Lambs, Rendition and Redacted certainly didn't generate 100+ responses.