1. Silvertooth

   10

   Another amazing epic Paul Thomas Anderson film where every facet of the film is extremely dynamic. It is very dense and there's a lot to take in whether it be the tense, grinding score, the gorgeous shot choices (punctuated by vibrant color and detail in 70mm), or knock out performances from the lead males. The physical work that Joaquin does is outstanding, I have not seen an actor as fully committed and free in a long time, perhaps since Daniel Day in There Will Be Blood. Paul's most interesting film in terms of structure/ editing, jumping through time willy nilly, perhaps mirroring the teachings of Lancaster Dodd or perhaps entering the mind of Freddie continually going back to where he is stuck (the war/ lost loves). The relationship between Dodd and Quell is tense and at times adorable, they are so in love and desire so much to have what the other has: Lancaster wants to act on impulse and not be controlled by any "Master" and Freddie whats to break this insane cycle he seems to find himself trapped in. This film will absolutely take many more viewings and I believe it will continue to grow in my mind as PT's best film (potentially).… Expand

   • Helpful? 15 of 15 users said Yes.
2. BHBarry

   5

   “The Master” stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix with wasted appearances by Amy Adams and, Laura Dern, A quality cast is working with virtually nothing of substance in this film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Mr. Anderson should have had someone help him edit and delete many superfluous scenes, unnecessary dialogue and perhaps even give the film a beginning, a middle and an end, none of which can be found in its 2 hours and 15 plus minutes of footage. Notwithstanding the surprising number of praises and accolades from the mucky mucks and professional nabobs, this is not a good film. The actors can use their performances as terrific vehicles for demonstrating their obvious individual skills but they don’t assimilate well in the movie in which they are performing Spotty scene changes and meaningless and confusing plot lines make me wonder how any of these self-acclaimed professional movie critics can keep their jobs. They didn’t just like the film, they loved it. I kept waiting for the film to develop and become meaningful but it never happened. With kindness I give the film a 5 rating, mainly because of Messrs. Hoffman and Phoenix’ performances. The writing and directing, however, in my opinion, leave much to be desired.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 2 users said Yes.
3. JakeMaguire

   2

   In the end, the film is self-important- a hodgepodge of shiftless vignettes that add up to something tiresomely less than their sum. An incredible acting performance from Phoenix is diminished and finally dissolved in a stagnant reservoir of anti-plot where the maddening fact that nothing ever happens is justified audaciously and insultingly by the old highbrow notion that each non-happening is so meaningful in itself as to make the need for story irrelevant. Adding salt to the wound, the audience is consistently made to feel guilty and ashamed for its terribly middle class inability to appreciate or connect with such a vaunted and critically acclaimed "masterpiece." Viewers are finally left to wonder if even Scientology itself could take their eleven dollars while offering such straight-faced, masturbatory nonsense in return.… Expand

   • Helpful? 5 of 7 users said Yes.

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