Capsule Film Review: The Master (2012)

2012 film The Master is today the closest thing to a film dedicated to L. Ron Hubbard, controversial founder of Church of Scientology. Due to Church’s power and influence in Hollywood, writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson had to take indirect approach by creating Hubbard’s fictitious alter ego in the form of Lancaster Dodd (played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman), founder of movement called "Cause". He also chose to show Dodd through the eyes of Freddie Quell, US Navy veteran traumatised by WW2 experiences who becomes Dodd’s associate and fanatical supporter. The Master features brilliant acting, with Hoffman delivering one of the greatest performances in his career. Unfortunately, Anderson seems to have some issue with the tempo, making his film too slow and tedious at times, while the ending is rushed and somewhat confusing.

RATING: 5/10