Scott Gentry reviews "The Master", Paul Thomas Anderson`s stunning new film.

"The Master" (15)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams.
Rated 15, for containing:Strong language, once very strong, strong sex and sex references.
Out now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Set in the years leading on from World War Two, a Navy veteran named Freddie Quell; journeys through post-war depression and extreme intakes of alcohol. Until, he stumbles upon `The Cause`; a movement, (which some people have suggested has some similarity to Scientology)  led by Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

For some time, it has been difficult to find a drama which is quite like this. "The Master" is unique in many ways, it boasts a powerful script and a wonderful story which (I think) is about ultimately, the feeling of belonging. 

In the  "Concise Oxford English Dictionary", it states that the word `Cult` means, "A system of religious devotion directed towards a particular figure or object". In the case of "The Master", `The Cause` is not a cult. It is simply a movement, which is slightly peculiar.

I have always felt that films by Paul Thomas Anderson, are only for serious audiences, who can withstand complex stories and powerful scripts. "The Master" is just that. From the word `go`, I was immersed in a spellbinding film, which most of my friends (not naming any names) would probably call, a pile of rubbish. This is not the case.

"The Master", has some of the best performances I have seen in a film for a long time. Joaquin Phoenix, (who plays Freddie Quell) is a superb actor; who on a regular basis turns down even the best scripts. For Phoenix, a script must be spectacular. 

Originally, the role of Freddie was destined for Jeremy Renner ("The Avengers" and "The Bourne Legacy"), but he dropped out. So, after much thought, Phoenix took on the role. 

Phoenix plays Freddie with much bravura, which is one of the reasons I was completely gripped. Philip Seymour Hoffman is equally good, as Lancaster Dodd, the leader of `The Cause`, Hoffman is very powerful and I feel that "The Master" has brought out a side to him, that we have not seen before. Amy Adams is close to perfect, with a small, but significant role.

"The Master" was shot beautifully on 65mm film. It is shot in this format for a wide-high resolution in motion picture photography. 

In conclusion, "The Master" is a superb film (which is shot creatively), has plenty of character and some of the best acting roles in recent years. A true classic, for fans of Paul Thomas Anderson, but what it lacks for in the last ten minutes, is made up for; by the rest of the film.

5 Stars out of Five.



Watch the trailer, by clicking on the video to your right hand side.



You can buy this Film on Blu-Ray or DVD from the following addresses:

http://www.sainsburysentertainment.co.uk/en/Films-TV/DVD/Philip-Seymour-Hoffman/The-Master/product.html?product=E11192815

http://www.sainsburysentertainment.co.uk/en/Films-TV/Blu-ray/Philip-Seymour-Hoffman/The-Master/product.html?product=E11192814