By Forris Day Jr.
“The Master” is the story of troubled World War II veteran Freddie Quell, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Quell finishes out the war in the South Pacific where he and his fellow Navy sailors are all partying it up on one of the islands. We learn here that Quell is quite the alcoholic. He will drink anything remotely made with alcohol. Quell returns home and struggles with post war society, sinking further into his world of sex addiction and booze. After several failed jobs, he meets up with Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), leader of a cult named “The Cause” and Dodd’s wife Peggy (Amy Adams). Quell is accepted into the group, but as time goes by, his alcoholism continues to rule his life.
An epic film, “The Master” has us look into a window of a man’s life that has been destroyed by war. He is now expected, by society, to carry on as usual. Post Stress Disorder is addressed, but not by name. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, but the subject matter is pretty heavy. It’s not a feel good movie, so don’t watch it for “Family Fun Movie Night”.
Included on the BluRay is a 1946 documentary by John Huston called “Let There Be Light”. The documentary was really interesting. It deals with soldiers coming home from war and being treated for nervous disorders relating to fighting. It follows the stories of about half a dozen soldiers, from the time they enter the “Nervous Hospital” as it is called, to their release. I found it interesting how many of the lines from the documentary were used in the movie “The Master”.
Overall a very good movie, but a bit dragged out at nearly 2 ½ hours long. Top notch acting, nice location shooting and some really good writing by Paul Thomas Anderson makes “The Master” well worth watching, but make sure you set a good block of time aside to watch this lengthy film. I also recommend the BluRay version so you get to experience the visuals the way the filmmakers intended you to.
Rating: 7/10 – “Cults, booze and women…what kind of trouble could a guy possibly get into?”