The Master

For someone with a relatively small back catalogue, Paul Thomas Anderson has maintained a very high standard of quality.

"The Master" is his take on the relationship between a charismatic preacher played by Philip Seymour Hoffman and an alcoholic veteran (Joaquin Phoenix). Hoffman's philosophy/creed is represented by a book called "The Cause" and it's easy to draw parallels between his character and L Ron Hubbard and his Dianetics work.

The relationship between the two men is the emotional core of the film and is fascinating to watch. Amy Adams plays Hoffman's wife and she also holds her own, displaying a quiet ruthlessness to anyone she perceives as a threat.

The film is full of treasures beyond the performances. The cinematography is luminous and benefited from the 70 mm presentation and there was a great use of period music combined with an orchestral score by Jonny Greenwood (Greenwood was also responsible for the soundtrack of Anderson's "There Will Be Blood").

At the end my feelings were reminiscent of seeing "Magnolia" for the first time, that there was much to be gained from another viewing.

As a sidebar, "The Master" was awarded the prize for best direction (Anderson) and acting (shared between Phoenix and Hoffman) at the Venice Film Festival.

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