The exclusion of Paul Thomas Anderson's film from the best director and best picture short-lists at this year's Oscars is nothing short of scandalous, though perhaps predictable, given that it is about the growth and lure of cult as well as an exploration of madness. Way too tough a subject for an Academy which fawns over such mediocrities as 'The King's Speech'.
That said, Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman are deservedly nominated in the best actor and supporting actor categories. They deliver career-best performances. Hoffman as Lancaster Dodd, the autocratic 'master' of a nascent cult called 'The Cause', and Phoenix as Freddie Quell, a mentally afflicted sailor who becomes Dodd's guinea pig.
If the characterisation of cult is a fair one, then it is quite disturbing. The main aim of 'The Cause' is to remove man's animal nature and thereby perfect humanity. Dodd gives Quell the love he's never had in return for his life, which includes subjecting him to extreme experiments which do nothing, except increase his insanity.
Phoenix appears to have sunk into his own skeleton. Sinewy to the point of masochism, he stomps around ape-like, snarling and talking out of one side of his mouth. Repulsed though I was, I couldn't bear to look away. He has clearly invested every reserve of emotion to play this disturbed, venal character. It would be a shame for him not to win the Oscar based on sheer commitment alone.
Amy Adams, also nominated, plays Dodd's brainwashed wife and aide. She unhesitatingly helps implement Dodd's master plan, even subjugating herself to being naked with all other females at a party for members of The Cause. It is an ominous reverse of the docile nun she played in 'Doubt'.
The film's title should also refer to Anderson. You get a sense of an artist in complete control of his material. You needn't be attuned to the technical wizardry at play, indeed this may be a distraction; however, the effect proves the skill. You are seduced into this nightmarish world, believing no other reality.
'The Master' arrives five years since Anderson's magnificent 'There will be Blood'. It was worth the wait. It pulverised me. It thrilled, scared and saddened me. I doubt I will forget it anytime soon.
That said, Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman are deservedly nominated in the best actor and supporting actor categories. They deliver career-best performances. Hoffman as Lancaster Dodd, the autocratic 'master' of a nascent cult called 'The Cause', and Phoenix as Freddie Quell, a mentally afflicted sailor who becomes Dodd's guinea pig.
If the characterisation of cult is a fair one, then it is quite disturbing. The main aim of 'The Cause' is to remove man's animal nature and thereby perfect humanity. Dodd gives Quell the love he's never had in return for his life, which includes subjecting him to extreme experiments which do nothing, except increase his insanity.
Phoenix appears to have sunk into his own skeleton. Sinewy to the point of masochism, he stomps around ape-like, snarling and talking out of one side of his mouth. Repulsed though I was, I couldn't bear to look away. He has clearly invested every reserve of emotion to play this disturbed, venal character. It would be a shame for him not to win the Oscar based on sheer commitment alone.
Amy Adams, also nominated, plays Dodd's brainwashed wife and aide. She unhesitatingly helps implement Dodd's master plan, even subjugating herself to being naked with all other females at a party for members of The Cause. It is an ominous reverse of the docile nun she played in 'Doubt'.
The film's title should also refer to Anderson. You get a sense of an artist in complete control of his material. You needn't be attuned to the technical wizardry at play, indeed this may be a distraction; however, the effect proves the skill. You are seduced into this nightmarish world, believing no other reality.
'The Master' arrives five years since Anderson's magnificent 'There will be Blood'. It was worth the wait. It pulverised me. It thrilled, scared and saddened me. I doubt I will forget it anytime soon.