Viewed in
2012
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Joaquin Phoenix stars as a lost soul/WWII veteran who falls under the spell of a cult leader, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Loved
Performances, cinematography.
Disliked
All style but no substance.
Thoughts
I liked it and appreciated it, but didn't love it.
My favorite parts were the performances. Phoenix was an incredible presence, absolutely embodying a disturbed, isolated fellow who was sympathetic and entrancing. While I had trouble with his nearly-indecipherable mumbling, I was in awe of his angular facial expression and body posture. Almost equally strong was Hoffman. I loved how he seemed to be a bigger threat in his quiet moments.
Meanwhile, I feel like I'm the only one giving mad props to Amy Adams as Hoffman's wife. In every limited appearance, she grabbed you by the balls and held on with a vice gripe. Her ability to wrest away onscreen command from these two fine actors mirrored her character's formidable influence over the movement. The scene in the bathroom was revealing, intense, and outstanding.
One of my other favorite scenes was when Hoffman interrogates Phoenix as part of "processing", which was tantamount to torture plus mind-surgery plus therapy. Absolutely emotionally and mentally draining for me and the main character.
Granted it's been a while since I've seen director Paul Thomas Anderson's other works, but this was probably his most visually stunning. The cinematography was gorgeous, vibrant, and memorable, without pretense or getting carried away. Obviously Phoenix acted out of his mind, but credit also goes to Mihai Malaimare Jr. for capturing every contorted moment (body and face) in the perfect angles for maximum effect.
Once again Anderson teamed up with Jonny Greenwood for music. While I still found it a bit annoying, it was much more toned down and appropriately scored than his work in There Will be Blood.
The bigger problem was that I didn't get the film's purpose. While I did get a whiff of themes about lost souls, finding religion, and sexual frustration, I wasn't sure if there was a message. I walked out appreciating the artistry, but unsure if I learned anything, which seemed to be the movie's aspirations.
The media (unsurprisingly) exaggerated the "slam on Scientology" angle. In reality, the main plot was about Phoenix as a man who had lost his way, and happened to join/leave/rejoin a cult (that had some similarities in circumstances).
Most artsy-fartsy tales of lost souls end up being boring mumblecore, The Master was inarguably one of the most intriguing versions, thanks to the top-notch cinematography, mesmerizing performances and fascinating characters.
