The Master is, in not-so-nice terms, Oscar bait. It's a sweeping drama of (as the trailer shows) Joaquin Phoenix's character Freddie (who is already unhinged and getting moreso as time passes), and his interactions with Philip Seymour Hoffman's character known mostly as Master. Master runs an organization of sorts based around his book, which takes (very) heavily from Scientology. Before watching this film, I had read a review wherein a former Scientologist saw it and reported that while the Master's character was heavily influenced by one L. Ron Hubbard, the details were not present. Said reviewer also wondered how this film was to be viewed by one unfamiliar with Scientology's views.
Well, I am only slightly familiar, and the audience I saw the film with was about the same, as well. Audience reactions were spotted throughout the film at certain lines or scenarios, while I only 'caught' a few.
Anyway, as a film the shots and costumes were great - very lovely.
The acting was incredible - Joaquin Phoenix should receive an Oscar for his role, as he truly plays a man losing his grip on the world. Many times during this film I was wondering if Phoenix really was that much of a jerk on set (I should hope not, but with method acting I'm sure one can't compartmentalize things as cleanly as wanted). Hoffman does an excellent job of playing the charismatic and outright jolly at times leader of The Cause, who is a joyful, concerned and almost manic person most of the time, and snaps (quite loudly and with much cursing) at unexpected and shocking moments. It makes me wonder if the two characters became so connected over the story of the film because they were so similar and yet took different paths?
Amy Adams' role as the Master's wife was very well played as the devout follower of The Cause who is brought to fury and frustration upon seeing her husband and his following questioned and mocked by others, but admittedly her performance next to Hoffman and Phoenix, while great, is not as wild and colourful. She is a Monet next to a Kandinsky - the erracticism of the characters they play draws the eye too much away.
The shots were beautful, and were worth seeing on 70mm, although I must admit, I'm not sure what 70mm would do other than provide a different field to work with and greater detail (which was present and appreciated).
The story, for me, was confusing. I'm sure it will be picked apart a hundred times over, but this is a character piece with 70% of the film being entertaining. At 2.5 hours long, I was waiting the last half an hour out. Some scenes don't feel necessary to the plot, and it felt like the story was divided between moments where the characters were evolving and progressing, and moments where the writers could make references to Scientology. Not too often did it seem like the two were interconnected and necessary. The way the film ends makes me wonder if it wasn't told chronologically. Yes, there are flashbacks and memories that we see referenced at random times, but there is a portion of the film that takes place with Phoenix's character in the Navy and I wonder if his character goes back to it after the final story arc-moment of the film.
Rating: I'm glad I saw it, but I wouldn't see it again. I didn't enjoy it, but it will receive awards for sure.
P.S.: The acting is so good, mind, that I can't help but wonder if Joaquin had been planning for this role back when this happened:
