The Master (Paul Thomas Anderson - 2012)

[Buzzkill]

New film by Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood...). Looks like it is going to be effing awesome. Here is the premise from Wikipedia:

A charismatic intellectual (Hoffman) launches a religious organization following World War II. A drifter (Phoenix) becomes his right-hand man but as the faith begins to gain a fervent following, the drifter finds himself questioning the belief system and his mentor. The plot involves a religion called "The Cause" which has been compared to Scientology.

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Very excited.

[mitch_h]

I'm going to see this on Friday, 70mm projection too, pretty excited

[Triple A]

ya can't wait

[mitch_h]

I liked this a lot. Probably PTAs most challenging film, and a lot of people are going to be turned off by the films third act. It's definitely more of a character study and looks at how these outsiders are drawn to a strange religion and eachother, "scientology" is more of a backdrop really. The acting is incredible and this is just more proof that Paul Thomas Anderson is the best American director working right now.

[The Condor]

I'm very excited for this, the cinematography in the trailer looks great and I want to see how they Play out the time period. Are they 50's characters with those values, sensibilities, etc... Or is it transPlanting contemporary characters to another setting.

[James Steele]

The trailer has me interested, but this looks like one of those films that you could fall asleep in the middle of if the characters aren't interesting enough and it's a film more about its "statement" rather than telling a good story.

[The Condor]

Saw it last night, and was blown away by the acting of both Phoenix and Hoffman. My girlfriend didn't really care for it, and was stunned by some of the scenes. Personally, I think they could have gotten away with trimming some time off of the film but overall, though it may lag in a few spots, the acting is some of the best of 2012.

[Swiss Ultimate]

So are the Scientologists going to storm the embassy, Crazy Edgar?

[The Condor]

Naw, we're safe. Tom Cruise won't put out any fatwas'.

[Buzzkill]

Best movie since the last PTA movie

[Buzzkill]

ARE YOU THE MASTER OF YOUR DOMAIN?

[Triple A]

It was really good, I keep thinking about it, so many great scenes and "amazing" acting. First 80% was like a 10/10 then sorta didn't like it as much near the end though, but still sweet.

[Buzzkill]

"effing loved" the scene where they are in prison.

Also the POV naked scene was really really brilliant

[Buzzkill]

Also cannot stop thinking about it.

Every scene is worth considering. The montage of all the ppl at the beginning trying to force fake smiles. "We are not masters of our emotions" basically.

Loved how the whole philosophy of The Cause sets up a framework to examine every character (including u the viewer).

[Triple A]

yup and the blinking scene, "amaze-balls"

[Skippord]

is this as good as There Will Be Blood?

because I fucking love There Will Be Blood

[Buzzkill]

yup and the blinking scene, "amaze-balls"

Ya ridiculous. Was completely keyed into the movie after that.

PSH's final line was incredible and tied everything together so well. Such a complicated script wrapped so insanely tight. Very inspiring to me atm, been writing a screenplay with my friend (for fun but maybe for real). Going well so far.

[Buzzkill]

is this as good as There Will Be Blood?

because I fucking love There Will Be Blood

If you liked TWBB you will like this a lot. Less epic in terms of narrative/scope, but it looks at "every aspect of human nature" rather than just greed/ego, so is more "epic" in that respect. Joaquin Phoenix's performance is on par if not better than DDL...way different but probably more crucial to the story and quality of the movie.

See it in theaters tho, for real's

[Triple A]

"lol when he is taking a photo of that guy at the beginning and starts fighting him and grabs his tie to choke him"

[Triple A]

<3 his poor posture and high ass pants also

[Buzzkill]

Felt like he had at least two distinct personalities...every time his posture went to shit he was about to flip the fuck out (completely animalistic)..whenever he looked dazed he was in his childlike state (laughing hysterically at fart jokes, etc...), and then his "baseline" state with one eye cocked awkwardly open, a bit more stable but completely overpowered by his sex drive. Dunno, hate reading too much into things but it seemed pretty deliberate. Need to see this again

[The Condor]

I want to see it again, as well. I felt like I took in a lot, but upon thinking about it, I think there's a lot that, perhaps, I didn't comprehend completely. Another viewing may be in order.