I've
said it before, and I'll say it again: Paul Thomas Anderson is a genius. This
beautiful film not only captured the manipulative essence but also the severe
uncertainty of Scientologist founder L. Ron Hubbard. His name is changed, of
course, but that is exactly who Philip Seymour Hoffman is portraying in this
wonderfully shot and brilliantly acted film.
Joaquin
Phoenix plays Freddie Quell, a man torn apart by the effects of World War II,
and his ability is to make poisonous alcoholic concoctions that make the
drinkers feel like life is actually worth living. Philip Seymour Hoffman and
the always-spectacular Amy Adams play Lancaster and Peggy Dodd, two people out
to re-shape psychological science in the face of animosity and fright that is
the 1950s. Freddie (Phoenix) immediately becomes the pet project of Dodd
(Hoffman), who becomes convinced that enough work through "The Cause" (the
film's code word for The Church of Scientology) will be enough to cure Freddie
of his many ailments. This becomes a struggle not only within Freddie but also
within Dodd, his wife, and his family.
The
ambiguity of this movie was its best feature. I was never sure whose side I was
on"”honestly, I am still not sure. I went into this thinking I knew exactly what
to expect, and I couldn't have been more wrong. This is arguably one of the
best ensemble performances I've ever seen"”Joaquin Phoenix absolutely stole the
show, but Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams were not far behind. Not only is the dialogue close to
perfect and delivered with grace and fluidity, but the characters' mannerisms
and tells were at the forefront of their performances, making the story come to
life all the more, and the emotions for the characters run deeper than most biopics.
If you see one movie this Oscar season, make sure it's The Master.