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This week I have the full review I wrote for "The Master," one of the first big Oscar contenders of the year.

The Master
Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Jesse Plemons
Synopsis: Love him or hate him, it’s hard to argue that Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most fascinating filmmakers working today. His films are painstakingly created, meticulously thought out, and often controversial. In the past, Anderson has tackled the adult film industry, self-help gurus, spirituality, corruption, and the oil industry. Often, these films are viewed through the context of the brokenness of the characters featured. That makes them compelling and difficult to watch. Anderson’s latest, “The Master,” is no exception. It has drawn incredible praise and is an Academy Award contender. It has also drawn incredible criticism for straying too close to putting Scientology under the microscope. But what else would you expect from an Anderson film. While it’s certainly possible — even probable — that Anderson was inspired to explore this topic by Scientology’s roots and core beliefs, “The Master” feels more like an exploration of a general idea than a specific ideology. It seems interesting in exploring the feelings, actions, and motivations of a charismatic cult leader and organizer, which is what we get with Lancaster Dodd. I have mixed feelings about Anderson, but there is no denying his incredible talent. He is a gifted writer, director, and, above all, storyteller. That is what makes his films fascinating, compelling, and the subject of many discussions. But it usually depends on how you feel about the worlds and characters that he is trying to illuminate when it comes to deciding how much you like a film. I loved the ideas and performances in “There Will Be Blood,” and consider it a classic. I appreciated what was being attempted with “Magnolia,” but it didn't resonate with me as it did with some. So too, do I find myself feeling about "The Master." The film features two knock out performances. Hoffman is among a handful of incredible actors working today. He has an uncanny ability to lift the material he's given, and he does so here. Phoenix also finds a role ideally suited to his talents. He shines in this role because it is right in his wheel house and because of his immense talent. The other performances in the film are sturdy as well, including the work of Adams who doesn't have as much meat as Phoenix and Hoffman. The film is also well crafted with some stunning visuals. But it's the story where it breaks down for me. It has been said that, in America, we like things tied up neatly. That is probably true from a broader cultural sense, but I have often appreciated open-ended films. That isn't what bothers me about this, though the film is clearly left open-ended and up for interpretation. What bothers me about this is that I can't figure out what statement Anderson is trying to make, and worse yet I can't figure out how I feel about the message of the film. It feels a bit too much and is muddled. I suspect this is a film that requires multiple viewings to really process because there is simply so much going on that isn't vocalized. However, this film also left me cold — which is a somewhat common complaint I've heard about the film. You don't really feel drawn to or engaged by the characters. It feels more like a clinical evaluation of these people and this situation. That isn't terrible, per se, but it doesn't help draw you into the narrative as much as it could. This is a brilliant technical film with outstanding performances, but to me it isn't a brilliant film. It doesn't feel a fully formed and complete as something like "There Will Be Blood." It's a noble effort that, to me, falls a bit short.
Rating: R for sexual content, graphic nudity, and language. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, Oct. 12 — "Here Comes The Boom," "Argo," "Sinister," "Seven Psychopaths"

Friday, Oct. 19 — "Alex Cross," "Paranormal Activity 4"

Friday, Oct. 26 — "Cloud Atlas," "Chasing Mavericks," "Silent Hill: Revelation 3D," "Fun Size"