Everyone has heard the saying “Absence
makes the heart grow fonder”. Well that
is how some people feel about the films of Paul Thomas Anderson. Every three or
four years PTA puts out a new film, and every year that film he puts out, ends
up being one of the best films of the year. Well with “The Master” he continues
his run of new American classics.
Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) is a
drifter in life after serving in the Navy during WWII. He travels around always
running from something or someone. That changes when he happens on a boat where
a party is taking place. Freddie has a love for alcohol, especially his own
home made brews. When he awakens he meets Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour
Hoffman), who introduces himself as a writer, a doctor, a nuclear physicist, a
theoretical philosopher, but above all, “I am a man, just like you.” Freddie
starts to open up to Lancaster Dodd about his past, and Freddie seems to
inspire Dodd in his writings. Dodd is the leader of a group called “The Cause”,
either a belief or a cult, depending on your point of view. As time passes
Freddie becomes Dodd’s right hand man as he takes a journey of self discovery.
It becomes about how far Freddie will follow Dodd and his beliefs.
Paul Thomas Anderson can seem to do no
wrong. “The Master” is just another film that will be on top of many people ‘best
of’ list for 2012. The way the story and the visuals keep your attention is
something very few films can do. Anderson shot the film to be seen in 70mm, and
if you can there is no better way to see it. There are scenes that will
visually leave you speechless. If you cannot see it in 70 mm because it is not
showing in that format near you, the beauty of the film is not lost on a
regular digital projector. When it comes to the religion of film there are not
many more films more sacred than Paul Thomas Anderson’s, but why not find out
for yourself. I know after seeing this you might just call him a master as
well.
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