The Master, a Paul Thomas Anderson written and directed film, follows a WWII navy veteran turned drifter, who runs into a founder of a new religion to be. Despite denials by the film’s production company, elements in the plot had been compared to Scientology’s founder Ron Hubbard’s life story. Anderson admits some inspiration did come from characters such as Hubbard but ultimately the story is of the drifter, Freddie Quell, brilliantly portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix.
The Master features a superbly intense performance by Joaquin Phoenix, unsurpassed by any other screen performance of recent years. Philip Seymour Hoffman, playing the Master, is excellent as well, and is able to level the field or else this would have been a solely Phoenix talent showcase. Noteworthy is also Amy Adams, bringing an unexpected edge to the role of the Master’s subordinated wife.
Kudus go also to the cinematography, music, editing and art department, all well utilized under Anderson’s confident direction.
The Master is unnerving at times and has a mesmerizing quality. Take note though that it is a film appreciated much more by critics and lovers of quality cinema than by the wide mainstream audience.