Within days of its release, the subject matter of The Master was quickly compared to Scientology as Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) promotes ''the cause'' which many think is similar to Scientology itself. The film is set in the same year that Scientology began with many critics saying that Lancaster Dodd is very similar to L. Ron Hubbard who started Scientology after the Second World War. Paul Anderson and Harvey Weinstein both denied that there is any link stating that the film is about a drifter living his life after WW2 where it became common for ex-soldiers to join cults.
Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) is a sex-obsessed alcoholic who following the end of World War II who is struggling to adapt to civilian life, he clearly struggles from post-traumatic stress disorder but never receives any help for it given the era. After a few close shaves he stows away on a boat which is owned by Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who is the leader of a movement called ''the cause'' and takes a shine to Freddie. Dodd tries to initiate Freddie into the group by ''processing'' him and turn him away from his violent alcoholic ways whilst promoting his beliefs.
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| Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) and Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seyour Hoffman) |
The acting throughout the film is simply brilliant, Joaquin Phoenix is the star turn as the troubled and vulnerable Freddie whilst Philip Seymour Hoffman is excellent at subtly conveying a man of great sympathy and compassion whilst being strangely threatening through his philosophical movement. Amy Adams is also quietly impressive as Dodd's wife Peggy especially during a particularly disturbing scene where she masturbates Dodd over a sink.
Quite often the pacing of the film is quiet slow and this could leave it to be a bit boring but blunt nature of Freddie's character is at odds with the subtle nature of the rest of the film. Like Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene, which also deals with the issue of cults, the true reasoning behind Dodd's actions is never fully explored. Yet the cult in The Master on the surface is a lot less sinister on a physical level but can be perceived as psychologically disturbing when members are ''processed'' and put in touch with themselves in former lives. The ending is a slow build up and slightly disappointing but it still doesn't take away from a intriguing film which has a superb score running right though it.
3.5/4 Superbly acted and subtly unsettling
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