September 27, 201212 yr I just saw this today. JOAQUIN PHOENIX....PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN...I have no words. Cult we have similar tastes in movies it seems. Still have to continue our Batman conversation via pm The Master, a tale of hope...desperation..dependency..belonging...love...loyalty...faith...uncertainty...certainty...blindness...selfishness..intolerance...exploration The master is about the movement and the 'cause' of Scientology, it's leader played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Perhaps the best part of this film was it's ability to portray those doing the laughing and those that are laughed at in the same light. The believers of a seemingly crazy cult and the non believers. It also very intelligently explores the depths of Scientology in it's effects on troubled souls (both positive effects and negative effects) Really though, I think it is symbolic for any religion taken in extreme or in cult like fashion. It's a beautiful beautiful tale about how this criticized movement helps and hurts a drunkard sex-craved Navy veteran. Also brilliant is the fact that through almost every scene of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's and his family--you could see their deep rooted doubt in their faith as well--Never blunt and so artistically subtle. Seymour's character is a despicable one at times, but the true genius of the Master is in his words...slaves to our beliefs however they come be. I am in love with this film, I will wait for a fuller and more detailed review until all have seen it! So I don't bring on spoilers... one of my favorite scenes take place when the 'crew' first reaches NY, and the gentleman who doubts Scientology has a debate with Hoffman. Hoffman so accurately represents individuals with such strong convictions in their faith that they can't rationally debate or truly tolerate disbelief, or IMO...for Seymour Hoffman...can't tolerate anyone challenging his self assessed intellect. The reason for this is because he is insecure about what it is that he stands for and his very capabilities. Bottom line, Seymour Hoffman needs to help Joaquin's character believe in himself and improve, so Seymour himself could believe in his cause. At least that is my take of it. So many complexities and view points to discuss in this film. I'm in love with Joaquin Phoenix all over again.
September 30, 201212 yr Author ^ Very nice, Cherry. I look forward to seeing 'The master'. I'll be writing a review once I get a chance to see it
October 27, 201212 yr Author I wish I could talk to you about this film, CB, but as of late I haven't been able to go to the indie theaters....:-/ The next movie that I'll probably be able to watch is Skyfall after Nov. 9.
February 3, 201312 yr Author I finally have a copy of the film...haven't seen it yet, though. ^_^ It could be a roller-coaster ride..
March 23, 201312 yr Joaquin with one of the best performances I've ever seen. The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous too.
January 27, 201411 yr Author 1. PTA's interview about 'The Master': http://cigsandredvines.blogspot.com/2012/09/interview-venice-film-festival-press.html 2. Salon discussion- comparing 'The Master' to 'The Tempest' http://www.salon.com/2012/10/22/is_the_master_a_retelling_of_the_tempest/ " Free winds and no tyranny for you, Freddie, sailor of the seas. You pay no rent, free to go where you please. Then go, go to that landless latitude and good luck. If you figure a way to live without serving a master, any master, then let the rest of us know, will you? For you'd be the first in the history of the world." "above all, I am a man, a hopelessly inquisitive man, just like you." This is an absolutely essential 20 min. reel of deleted scenes. They add more context to the film, which was truncated due to being over-long (2:18). Spoiler: Hilarious, Iconic scene from the movie: Master: This battle has been with you from before you know. It's not you. You are asleep. You'll been implanted with a push-pull mechanism. We are in the middle of a battle that is a trillion years in the making and it's bigger than the both of us! Freddie: You're making this shit up! You made this shit up! Master: I give you Facts. Freddie: You don't give me Facts! What FACTS! Master: They are F*CKING FACTS! F*CK YOU! Freddie: WHAT FACTS? F*CK YOU! You make shit up! Your family hates you! Your son hates you! Master: Who F*cking likes you except for Me?!! Some stills I like:
August 27, 20159 yr Interesting movie. They were exploring the boundaries of human consciousness and questioning preconceived notions about the nature of humanity... alot of people won't get this movie but hey, not everyone can enjoy fine wine some only have a taste for Boonesfarm.
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