The Master

In the art house cinema world Paul Thomas Anderson is highly respected. He is one of the few auteurs whose entire resume is highly respected. His new films are always highly anticipated.
It does not matter what subject he is exploring, whether it be pornography or an oil magnate, his films are a work of art. 'The Master' is no exception. I've always loved Paul and his films. He really feels like a clever film maker who knows how to use the medium to tell his story. The opening of the film where we learn about our lead character Freddie is mostly done without dialogue. Just a series of sequences that shows how disenfranchised Freddie is with his life. He was not much of a soldier. Continually making moonshine and getting drunk. His life after the war is not much different. Then he stumbles across Lancaster Dodd, a guru who runs a type of cult. Supposedly the film is based on Diane tics and the early days of Scientology. While that might be the case I do not think that is the important issue. For me it could have been about any religion. Freddie seems so lost in his life journey that it any religion would have sufficed.
Joaquin Phoenix returns after his 'retirement' from acting. He could not have picked a better film to make his return. While he does have the annoying habit of talking out of the corner of his mouth, he is still brilliant in the role. I did get the feeling that if he was 20 years younger that Paul would have cast Daniel Day Lewis in the role. Joaquin seems to be playing it like Daniel. Equally as brilliant is a frequent Paul Thomas Anderson collaborator Philip Seymour Hoffman. He is perfect as The Master. There is one scene where Lancaster interviews Freddie which had me completely mesmerized and that is because of the brilliance of these two actors. Amy Adams fits nicely with these two. Amy seems to be very different in every role she does and that's what makes her so great. I also quite liked Jesse Plemons who plays Lancaster's son in the film. He seems to be the only voice of reason in the cult.
A film for those who enjoy classy cinema that is a work of art. It will make you think and give you something to discuss with your friends afterwards. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the best film makers working in cinema today.