The Master is a movie that will definitely not appeal to everyone. But if you like a strangely intense movie (at least at times) with some amazing acting, cinematography (done in a 65mm format), and an inventive 50s retro mix and original score, this one is for you. Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman are the focus of the film (and will almost certainly be nominated for Academy Awards), but Amy Adams, Laura Dern, and the rest of the cast also do a great supporting job. The film is obviously about Scientology, but the psychological study portrayed could apply to any charismatic or cult movement.
If you like it, this is one you will probably watch again and again.
Update:
Crack Emcee has his take on it. I agree, the line at the end sums up the theme of the movie (potential spoiler).
Rex Reed, however, is one of those people who the movie did not appeal to.
Jonah Goldberg gives the film an interesting review.
Here's my take on it.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was great, though probably too opaque for anyone not versed in the subject matter. That seems to be a problem with most of the recent cult-themed movies, along with a certain cowardice on the part of (some) filmmakers:
The audience's ignorance.
It's kind of hard to warn a fly about the spider when he thinks his biggest problem is getting stuck in a web.
It's kind of hard to save a drowning person when they're willing to push their rescuer under.
It's kind of hard to stop an accident when a drunk is too arrogant to hand over the keys.
It's just simply hard,...
I agree that a lot of people would not get it, but that is true for most great art when it first comes out. It is not like Paul Thomas Anderson was making a warning movie for Scientology, what he was doing is a character study of the personalty traits in these charismatic leaders and their followers.
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