Five minutes into 'The Master' I accepted things were going to get intense and complex. Ten minutes in I had resigned myself to deference.
I abandoned the popcorn I had only moments ago enthusiastically purchased onto the vacant seat beside me, pulled my cardigan in tight around my body as a child would a blankie then quickly surveyed my immediate area like one instinctively does when forced to cross a dangerous or busy street. Finally I tucked my knees up under my chin and assumed the position. It was every film goer for themselves. I'll make this brief.
P.T. Anderson is revisiting a familiar theme which is fine with me because he excels in navigating it (authority figures specifically within the context of parental roles.)
This is a character driven movie and as a result the performances are pivotal and to no surprise, due to the calibre of actors, tremendous. I felt lost at times and the narrative drifts off course as do the very troubled characters themselves. Being lost whether at sea or on dry land is a big theme here. This is an unsettling and disturbing film about unsettling and disturbing people doing unsettling and disturbing things. Although this is not one of his best films it certainly does not detract from the fact that Anderson is a great American director.
If you're curious about the Scientology/Dianetics aspect (in the film the movement is referred to as 'The Cause'.) I see it this way. 'The Master' is as inspired by L. Ron Hubbard as 'Boogie Nights' was inspired by John Holmes.
This is not a date movie or a film I would suggest you see with anyone you don't know well BUT if you choose to forgo the big screen viewing you will deprive yourself of a large part of this film's purpose and that is to overwhelm and confuse, much like the techniques of a cult would do. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's turn as The Master, Lancaster Dodd, is sufficiently creepy and narcissistic. Amy Adams as his seemingly perpetually 9 months pregnant wife is spooky and menacing. (think Rosemary's Baby). And Joaquim Phoenix's presence as the film's revolting central character Freddy Quail is compelling and unforgettable. I think a second or third screening is necessary to absorb this mesmerizing treat that is both rancid and delicious. After 2+ hours I needed it to be over but really didn't want it to end.
Ahoy! The credits rolled at S.S. Laemmle Noho 7 cruised safely into port.
I reclaimed the now stale cold popcorn and shoveled it into my mouth in a repetitive manner like the demented comfort food it was.
*Dramamine
