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