FILM REVIEW:

The Master

9/10

There Will Be Blood is (in my opinion) one of the top ten greatest films.

It might not be one of my top ten favorite films but it’s one of the greatest (hopefully you know the difference). Finally, after a five-year-wait, Paul Thomas Anderson has followed up There Will Be Blood with the equally-flawless but much more challenging The Master.

I highly doubt in 20 years anyone will say The Master is their favorite film but is it great? It’s incredible. From the epic, opening shot to each clank and plucked string of Jonny Greenwood’s score, it’s one of the greatest technical achievements I’ve had the pleasure of viewing.

I’m not going to delve too deep into plot because those that haven’t seen it yet, should watch it with an open mind and those that have seen it, were probably affected differently than I. It’s a unique experience and I could see some audiences loving it while others might grow uncomfortable through it’s two-and-a-half hour run-time. This is why the film might fall short of classic. Like I said before, it’s challenging and while I love challenging material, most people in my theater walked out confused as to what they had just witnessed.

Joaquin Phoenix gives one of the most unsettling performances I’ve ever seen and I’d find it hard to believe that all audiences didn’t at least agree on that. It felt as if I didn’t breathe once throughout because I was on edge every time his character was present. The supporting cast was great as well but it’s hard to come out thinking of anyone else but Phoenix.

Technically, the film is near-perfect. The cinematography is at times gorgeously sprawling but it’s also very contained when it needs to be. Jonny Greenwood’s score doesn’t play as big a part as it did in There Will Be Blood but it perfectly sets the tone during a number of crucial scenes. I could see some people having a problem with the pacing, though. While I love long run-times, there were a few moments throughout where you could feel the audience grow a bit tense and restless (but that was probably Anderson’s intention).

I’m sure it will take countless viewings and dissections to fully appreciate The Master for what it is. While most movies are more cohesive and accessible, it’s nice that there’s a director like Paul Thomas Anderson who is willing to test his audience, even if it means the majority will walk out confused and disappointed (which is a shame). Whether you love it or hate it, The Master is a film that will haunt it’s viewer’s thoughts for awhile.