EXTRA CREDIT: "The Master" Is Masterful, But Not Quite A Masterpiece

As a disclaimer to saying the film isn't a masterpiece, it's certainly a minor masterpiece. This is to say that certain aspects of the film and its making are certainly aesthetically perfect, but there are factors that alienate it from being a true masterpiece of film. To start with the great:

In a world where the annual Oscar ceremony held no bias, and truly awarded the BEST of the year, P.T. Anderson would without question win for directing. (Along with Phoenix and Hoffman for acting, but more on that in a bit) With his past films, Anderson has proved that he is one of todays most skillful directors. But with this particular film, he has proven that he very well may be the best. Most directors leave no gap unfilled, and give no credit to the audience. These other directors form a narrative that leave the viewers in an almost comatosed state, forcing no real thought to go through their heads throughout the viewing experience. Not Anderson. In "The Master" he provides a naturally thought-provoking film, that leaves no room for not paying full attention, and will leave the viewer questioning scenes minutes, hours maybe even days after viewing. Along with the powerful and thoughtful nature of his direction, his camera work and scenery are stunningly beautiful and emotionally powerful.

Along with flawless direction, damn near every performance in the entire film is also flawless. But most specifically, the role played by Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix delivers the performance most actors only dream about, absorbing the character so completely the fact you're watching a film can at moments be forgotten. Phillip Seymour Hoffman works stunningly with Phoenix, delivering perhaps not his best performance, but certainly his strongest since his role in "Capote". The entire cast draws off the energy from these two leads, and achieves one of the greatest acted films of recent memory.

The direction and acting certainly qualify this film for best of the year, but there are certain factors that (somewhat) diminish this possible status. This diminishing factor isn't exactly in the screenplay, but rather the characters. Although powerfully acted, there's not a likable character in the whole film. This very possibly may have been done purposefully, to play off of the Scientology-esque plot, but it often results in an opaque viewing experience. At certain moments in the film you find yourself asking "Why?", but other times asking "Why bother?"

All in all, this is a film for those who love film. You couldnt ask for better direction, acting, etc. from a film, and although at points it may be a hard film to watch, it's certainly a rewarding one.

4.5/5


(Edit: When first reviewing this film I altogether forgot to mention another flawless apsect of this film; the score. It's truly wonderful, and creates a powerfully daunting atmosphere)