The Master

This movie gave me a lot to think about. There is so much happening, and I think it’s a movie about control, abuse, and different themes surrounding trauma. But in the end, I think it’s really about Freddie Quell. Joaquin Phoenix’s character here is one of the best performances I’ve ever seen from him, and Philip Seymour Hoffman also does a phenomenal job. The way it portrays itself shows that everybody needs a master, and it really forces that idea into your face. There are so many underlying layers. Every scene was crafterd with so much intent that you are forced to just sit there with your thoughts for a while. But I will say there’s a lot of inertia in the movie, where you’re going back and forth and it doesn’t always know where it wants to go, which is probably my biggest criticism. I understand the argument that this was intentional, but it still loses some points for me. Overall, this is one of those films that will stick with me for a really long time, and it’s very deeply sad in the end. 80/100