The Master: A Review

This is it, the film I've been waiting for all year, the film everybody's been raving about. I just have to say, having seen it twice, I am not sure what to say.

The story follows Freddie Queyle, a WWII veteran, a drunk with sex obsession. Having returned from the War, with a severe psychological condition, Freddie attempts to adjusts to the Post-War World (Working as a Dept. Store's Photographer & at a farm, both ends up with him leaving due to drinks related issues). Lost, Freddie stows away onboard a Yacht (The Alethia) where he met Lancaster Dodd, founder of a movement called The Cause. Despite warnings from people around him, Dodd takes Freddie under his wing, somehow attracted to him. Together they travel to spread the Cause's teaching, and Dodd attempts to "cure" Freddie.

People have been making connections between Scientology and The Cause. Having no knowledge whatsoever of the former (apart from the publicised stuff in the media), I simply could not see what they see.

Thinking this film is about a certain movement is the first mistake I made when I saw the film for the first time.  After second viewing, I am still no closer to an answer. The film has such rich materials and each is dealt with very subtly, making the film's intention ambiguous.

The cinematography had to be one of the most beautiful I've seen in films this year. Shot on 65mm film (the first film that did so in years), the wide shots really made my jaw drop, such wide scope! (And I saw the film in a cinema with a rather small screen).

Much like his previous collaboration (There Will Be Blood) with Director Paul Thomas Anderson, Jonny Greenwood composed a minimalist, unconventional, atmospheric, and haunting score.

But the biggest win in this film, is in the acting department. Joaquin Phoenix (in his first performance after his "retirement") gives a very convincing and disturbing performance as Freddie. From the way he talks, moves, the glint in his eyes, you could see and feel the madness radiating from within. Phillip Seymour Hoffman on the other hand, is a complete opposite of Phoenix. Dodd (or "Master") is a very controlled, intelligent, sophisticated man. Having these two together in the same scene is always a wonder to behold. Amy Adams as Peggy, Dodd's (3rd?) wife is gentle, kind, but also creepy, fierce, and at times domineering.

It is the relationship between these three characters that is really the heart of the film.   Overall, the film is a triumph and without doubt special among the rest of this year's releases.

5/5

ARGO: A Review

Based on a declassified true story of a CIA operation in the late 70's and early 80's.  ARGO follows CIA Agent, Tony Mendes from the planning stage to the execution of the plan in the field.

The film starts with angry mobs filling the street outside the US Embassy in Tehran, demanding the return of a former Dictator that is harboured by the US. The Mob eventually gets in and takes the Embassy. Six people however, managed to escape to the safety of the Canadian's Ambassador Home.
Knowing that the Iranian militants will soon find out and attempt to capture the six people to be executed with the others. Racing with time to prevent it, CIA begins an operation to extract the six out of Iran without the militants' knowledge.

Argo is appropriately gritty, just like any film of its genre. The Hollywood scenes set a very nice contrasts between the worlds in Argo (Iran, CIA, Hollywood).  These scenes are also among the film's most humorous moments.

The Six Civilians actors play their part well, not only have they been made up as similar to their counterpart as possible (As shown by the end credits) the actors successfully made you care about these people which gives us the epic finale.

Without doubt, one of this year's best films.

4.5/5

Looper: A Review

Judging from people's reactions, Looper could very well be this year's INCEPTION. A high concept film loved by critics and audiences.

I must say, I was among one of the few who were not excited about the film. The marketing of the film never really did "get" me.

Therefore, I went into the cinema, expecting a standard chase thriller between Willis and Levitt. I was wrong.

The Film is brilliant, the idea is absolutely brilliant and (despite how weird it is) Levitt's make-up, made him a convincing "young Bruce Willis"

Set in the not too distant future, 30 years before time travel is invented. Crime organisations utilise the technology to dispose "Undesirables" from the future in the past, effectively erasing these people from existence. Doing the dirty jobs done are the "Loopers", who are paid by Silver attached to their target's back. However, Looper's life span are limited. Sooner or later, every Looper is required to dispose of their future selves, and spend the next 30 years living their life quietly, before they are sent back to the past ("Closing the loop") to die.  Levitt's future self (Willis) arrived in the past to die, only, he already concocted a plan to do something else. Something that set him and his younger selves at the barrel of each other's guns.

Levitt did a very good job portraying Joe the Looper and so is Willis as Old Joe. Both character's motivations perfectly made sense, it's  a bit hard to pick sides (until certain point).

The director did a very good job in capturing the grimness of both the present and the future world. There is a Blade Runner and Children of Men-esque vibe in these two worlds.

Overall one of the most refreshing film to have come out in recent years.

4/5