Runtime: 138 minutes
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Jesse Plemons, Rami Malek
From: The Weinstein Company... unfortunately
Watching a movie based on someone else's request is not a typical scenario for me but as it is a low pressure scenario (this person gave comments in a messageboard post that were hidden behind spoilers and as I don't want to leave him hanging for days on end... turns out, the person's comments were of a silly variety rather than high-level film discourse) and this was something I've thought about seeing since it was released late in 2012, about time to finally check out something from a director who has made a few movies that at worst are “very good”.
To be frank, a story set right after World War II where a veteran who fought in the war but was traumatized by those events falling under the spell of someone who seemed quite a bit like L. Ron Hubbard and his movement was suspiciously similar to Scientology... it wouldn't be light cheery entertainment so it was possible that no matter the acclaim, it could come up as a miserable turgid experience, one that even if I thought the movie was great, could still be emotionally draining. Now having finally experienced The Master, it was... very good w/ some stretches that felt too long and yet despite the positives, it was more uncomfortable rather than draining so while I am glad this was finally viewed, I don't know if this will ever be viewed a second time—there are PTA films I've seen more than once or do want to see again.
Credit will be given to how this is a thought-provoking film centered around two men that at the surface seem like polar opposites yet actually share some similarities. The titular Master proclaims that Freddie Quell shouldn't act like a base animal but at times his behavior belies that statement. Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman were both great in those complex roles, as was Amy Adams as Lancaster Dodd's wife who has an impact on both men. There were some familiar faces that I had no knowledge were in this-such as Laura Dern & Rami Malek. Of course this was well-made, had a quality score from Johnny Greenwood and the era following WWII was brought to life wonderfully. I was glad to receive a final push to watch something that I don't want to reveal too much of for those that want to check this out in the future... while not an easy watch it has excellent moments. In addition, the dangers of cults and a charismatic leader who is manipulative & does not have your best interests in mind... that is a real life horror that people should always be aware of. No real life examples (or at least my opinion of such) won't be addressed here, as nothing good can come from that!
One last thing: Freddie Quell has trouble w/ the two most base of desires: sex & violence. How horny he was at first was giggle-worthy... since this came out I did hear that the audience got to see Phoenix beating off into the ocean. Quickly, however, that turns from “funny” to “yikes”.
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