Reviewed by croberson
on 17/07/2014 15:19

Yes! This film is ace, it just takes a bit of explaining to get at why. The first thing most people hear and about The Master is that it's some big take-down against scientology but that's not really what it's about. \r\n\r\nIf anything it's closest to an unconventional love story. The 'romance' unfolds between Joaquin Phoenix's damaged WWII veteran and Philip Seymour Hoffman's charismatic cult leader, to the ire of his wife (Amy Adams)\r\n\r\nThe cast are fantastic across the board,some of them turning in career-best work. Just as captivating is the cinematography (this is Paul Thomas Anderson after all) and the visual splendours on offer can't be ignored. Oh, and it looks extra good since it was shot on gigangtic but beautiful 70mm film. Good news for film purists!\r\n\r\nThe pacing might be a bit slow for some and there's maybe not as much that sticks in the memory as in previous PTA films (no milkshake drinking here)but The Master still demands to be seen and respected.