Review of The Master

Inspired by the famous John Huston 1946's documentary, 'Let There Be Light', as well as early drafts of 2007's 'There Will Be Blood', drunk Navy stories that actor, Jason Robards had told to the director prior, and the life story of author, John Steinbeck. 'The Master' still falls a little short on explaining its title. Yes, I know, it's virtually impossible to tell the life story of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard without getting into the issue of being intimidation by them, but I wish this Paul Thomas Anderson's film could had done more, than tell a fictional story about Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), a drunk & violent sex addict, whom finds himself, falling under the sway of charismatic cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his wife Peggy (Amy Adams) in an attempt to reform him. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the story, they gave us, but I really hope, the movie would have focus more on 'the master' personality than the 'server'. After all, that's what I pay for, to see. I wanted to see how Lancaster Dodd became 'the master'. I wish, the producers, had more balls, in explaining, how a cult is indeed founded. Regardless, the movie is still interesting in the character study concept of a lost soul, trying to find answers, yet, it falls a little flat. Don't get me wrong, Joaquin Phoenix is a fine actor, and he was great as the man of unbridled thirst for alcohol, and sexual appetite. However, I wish the movie shown more character development with him, when he join the cult and after. Without spoiling the movie, too much, it seem like nothing, really changes for Freddie by the end of the film; making, watching the whole film, kinda pointless. I have to disagree, with viewers whom states that Freddie learn to become a master of his own life, because he seem happier, and more able to connect with others. I just don't see it that way. He's just as animalistic, depressed & unlikeable repulsive as he was, in the beginning of the film. After all, the movie ends with the same opening shot at the beach. Seeing it, again, kinda shows that he hasn't gotten over his lost-love one. Thus, making me, kinda upset that I wasted my time. I really wanted the film to end with a straight and strong message, rather than a weak & confusing one. I just don't like movies climax like that. Honestly, if the movie was a little more, clear that, the film is about, denying/betraying the need for a non-biological family, can lead to one's downfall can led you, directionless. Then, I wouldn't be so nitpicky. However, since it wasn't. I'm going to be, very truthful about how much of a time-waster, this film is. It takes forever to get, anywhere. Why!? It's because the movie has really bad pacing. While, there is plenty of lengthy substantial scenes that serve the film like the 'processing' sequence, there is also a lot of filler scenes that don't. Some examples are the many jobs that Freddie has, during the beginning. It wasn't needed. We know already, that he's an alcoholic and a sex addict, in the navy scenes. So, why does Anderson, feel to repetitive forced the same message, down, our throats with him, getting kick out of multiply jobs!? In my opinion, the movie would had work better, if they cut, those scenes, and just establishing himself, as a directionless sailor. It would had free, a lot of time and make more sense. Instead, it took, nearly 15 minutes for Freddie to meet Dodd! Then, there is the many wordy dialogue that follows this, that might sounds different and unique at first, but as you think, deep about it; you find out, later, how repetitive in meaning, they really were. That's really not good! Another, is the monotonous clichés action. Honestly, did we need, three similar sequences in which, Freddie attacks people who question, Dodd's practices and two, in which, Freddie question Dodd. Watching those, felt like 'processing'. It's kinda annoying. Despite that, I do like, how the film tries to explore man's struggle to cope with his animalistic nature. We see it, between the ways, Dodd & Freddie act, upon it. Dodd seems more castration and collected, due to the presence of his overbearing, wife. While, Freddie seem more likely to act upon, his urges. While, it's semi true, that Lancaster is trying to control Freddie's ungodly thoughts. In truth, he is secretly loving Freddie's freedom in Hedonism, because it allow him to act out, many of his fantasies through Freddie. Hints why, he keep him, like a wild pet, even although, he is the one, caged up. In a way, Lancaster is just like a human ego, feeding both the ID (Freddie) and the Superego (Peggy) in order to seek balance and be the voice of reason. I love that part of the film. I just wish, the movie focus more on those, rather than Freddie and Dodd fight against outsiders. Another thing, that I love, about this movie is, indeed the acting. All three main actors, did a good job. Any awards, they were nominated or win, was truly, worth it. Another thing that made this movie, not so bad, is the cinematography from Mihai Mălaimare Jr. There were plenty of beautiful scenes. Some, great examples are the motorcycles in the desert sequence and the shot of Freddie, pass out on his Navy ship. Even, normal shots like the bench scene was amazing to see. However, the music that Johnny Greenwood, compose was not memorable. Yet, it wasn't horrible to listen to, either. Overall: For a film that came from acclaim director Paul Thomas Anderson. 'The Master' is a bit too disappointing. It's a one-time watch from me.