The Master [DVD]

How do you follow a film that is revered as being one of the best films since 2000? After the magnificent ‘There Will Be Blood’, writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson does so with another mesmerising and absorbing film, that yet again proves that Anderson is one of the best directors working today.Following the end of WW2, Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) leaves military service with a penchant for making and drinking his own distinctive brand of liquor, and an aimlessness as to what he will do with his post-war life. After a brief tenure as a department store photographer; which also provides him with the opportunity to create more booze, he ends up on a boat and meets the enigmatic Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour Hoffman). Dodd, as it turns out, is a man of many talents, but also the progenitor of ‘The Cause’, a new belief system that has, reputedly, more than a passing resemblance to Scientology. From this point on it is the ongoing relationship between the two men that the film mainly revolves around, and as it does, the contrasts between the two ebb and flow, stifle and emancipate and comfort and disrupt. Their dance of the wills is observed by all around them, but in particular, Dodd’s self contained wife, Peggy (Amy Adams).Being primarily a character study, it is one of the film’s many commendable elements that all the actors involved play their roles flawlessly. Johnny greenwood’s musical score compliments the mood perfectly throughout and the cinematography captures the feel of the time periods portrayed. That aspect is all the more evident during the department store photography sessions. Beautifully realised.It is a brilliant film that also refuses to provide the viewer with a nice and neat resolution. This may frustrate some, but it makes sense when considering the mercurial nature of Freddie’s character, and the journey he takes. In some ways it is sad, yet in another way it is to be expected.While being difficult for some, it is ultimately a rewarding experience for those who expect more from film, and it is also a remarkable follow up to ‘There Will Be Blood’. Highly Recommended.

An ok film but just a one time watch I got it because the had said Ron Hubbard had killed or got Phillip Seymour Hoffman killed coz of sianceoligy but qauien phenix us amazing in it all round good movie to watch but watch it the once looked better on the trailer

Very disappointing. With such a strong cast I hoped for more. The story line is thin, there's little exploration of the characters' inner lives, and the portrayal of the cult leader is two dimensional. After an hour I was bored, by the end I felt I'd wasted a chunk of my life.

Featuring one of the great character set-ups (Freddie Quell), an astonishing on-screen chemistry between Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour-Hoffman and a truly memorable jailbound scene, The Master was riveting and engrossing from start to finish. You could argue there might have been more exploration into Lancaster Dodd's motivation but then you could equally say the movie benefited from that sense of enigma. The Master is a must-watch.

A wonderful example of film as art, the cinematography is perfect for the setting and the acting is superb.It explores themes relating to trauma and recovery as well as how easy it is for traumatised people to be targeted by manipulative egotists.The cult of personality surrounding the titular Master is believable and not easily slotted into the "evil cult leader" archetype.A slow thinking movie, not an easy and yet very enjoyable watch.

Mind-blowing performance from Joaquin, yet again. Although he so deserved the Best Actor Oscar for this movie, I'm so glad he got a little gold man eventually for Joker 7 years later!

Not sure what to think at first, definitely takes risks and is slow paced. Philip Seymour Hoffman alone makes this worth the watch and money though, I love how unpredictable he is though, there's definitely a lot of build up because you really don't know what's going to happen next as it's unformulaic. Definitely not everyones cup of tea though, my sister left because she was bored. Some people may not be willing to go through the slow set up. It makes you think about which side to take and is thought provoking, which is always good.

This movie is so misunderstood. Thankfully, I get it! And that's all that matters. Delivered on time and in perfect condition