Five time Academy Award nominated filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson has delivered his newest film. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in his first film since the “I’m Still Here” stunt – with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Jesse Plemons, and Laura Dern. Freddie Quell (Phoenix) is an alcoholic, unpredictable and animalistic Naval veteran who tries to function in normal life in the year 1950, having been affected from the war. He then meets Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman) and his wife, Peggy (Adams). Dodd has discovered what he calls “time travel hypnosis therapy,” which has garnered an avid following called “The Cause.”
The film has already gotten flak from the Church of Scientology, with Dodd’s character being inspired by founder L. Ron Hubbard. The film has nothing to do with Scientology, but will nonetheless gain more controversy as a “religious” movie. Anderson has said that his film was heavily influenced by “Let There Be Light,” a John Huston Documentary that was produced for the U.S. government. It was also incredibly controversial in its portrayal of shell-shocked soldiers, being suppressed for over thirty years.
Anderson seems to have made a film that’s more nihilistic in nature when compared to his other films. At 2 hours 17 minutes, the film is really held by the beautiful cinematography and stellar acting in particular. This is the first Anderson film that wasn’t shot by Robert Elswit, who was busy with “The Bourne Legacy.” Anderson was still able to translate his vision into a cinematic spectacle with Mihai Malaimare Jr. (“Tetro”) behind the camera.
One of the biggest perks of “The Master” is the acting. Joaquin Phoenix just may be due for an Oscar win, at the very least a Best Actor nomination – same with Philip Seymour Hoffman in the Best Supporting Actor category. The slow, steady paced storyline is made so much stronger with fantastic performances that have tremendous emotional depth. The film was also the first to be shot on 65mm film since 1996, being edited the old fashioned way with scissors.
The film ends without a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction, however. As interesting a viewing as it is, it doesn’t rely on average formulas. It is overall, simply a character study of Freddie Quell. The ending leaves the viewer in deep thought, trying to find an opinion or even meaning from it all. It only gets more and more difficult to figure out with further reflection. The film is nothing more or less than what P. T. Anderson wishes to show you, it simply is what it is. Love it, hate it, or undecided about it – “The Master” is definitely the biggest Oscar contender to come out of 2012 so far.
“The Master” is now playing in select theaters.
