The Master
A beautifully bittersweet film about connection and the search for meaning.
PTA tackles 1950's America post WWII and wonderfully captures that sense of nostalgia and yearn for longing. The direction is flawless and this story is so thematically rich that with each viewing; I take away something different.
The cinematography entrances you much like The Cause puts a spell on their followers. The pristine blues and warm colours balance the feeling of warmth and discomfort perfectly. The way in which the close ups are shot feel deeply intimate and borderline peer into the character's souls.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers perhaps his best performance as the unpredictable and volatile Freddie Quell. The intense vulnerability that he hides away is unbelievably tragic and empathetic; despite his irrational behaviour. Philip Seymour Hoffman also gives his best performance as the commanding Lancaster Dodd. He delivers his dialogue with such performative cadence and exudes charisma. Their chemistry together is unmatched and feels like lightning in a bottle.
Amy Addams is amazing as Peggy Dodd. Her performance strikes a lot of similarity to Lady MacBeth. Lending her influential voice to her husband and at times; maybe manipulating his opinions. Jesse Plemons, Rami Malek and Laura Dern also deliver great performances.
The score by Johnny Greenwood is mesmerising. This complex and passionate composition elegantly displays one's journey through acceptance and reflection. At times it's haunting and others; purely hypnotic.
Freddie seeks belonging in a world that doesn't want to accept him. He's inherently primal/animalistic in his desires, he can barely hold a job, and doesn't fit in anywhere. He is full of immeasurable regret and sadness and drinks those sorrows away. He ultimately, finds a purpose in The Cause and his service to Lancaster Dodd. Although, Freddie still struggles and battles between conformity and resistance.
Lancaster is curious by Freddie but also; is envious of his freedom and independence. He pities him and deeply cares for his servant. Despite thinking he is far superior to him; he becomes influenced by Freddie's behaviour. When Dodd's beliefs are challenged; he reverts to a primal response by responding with vicious and rageful insults. As much as he would like to disagree; he enjoys Freddie's erratic behaviour and relishes in acting the same way.
Freddie and Lancaster's homoerotic relationship is full of toxicity; as they both influence each other to be the worst possible versions of themselves. As much as Dodd manipulates and tries to change him; Freddie cannot be tamed. Although he can't change, Freddie will always carry a part of Dodd and his philosophy with him. Both men forever changed but contempt with knowing they knew each other in this life.
"If you leave here, I don't ever want to see you again...... Or you can stay?"
"Maybe in the next life."
10/10