"Freddie" is a man haunted by his past. Uncontrollable. Impulsive. A wanderer. Looking for a master, a calling, a purpose to live. One day, he wakes up from a drunken sleep and finds himself aboard a ship, there he meets a man who calls himself "The Master". Perhaps it’s fate he found himself aboard this ship. Over the next few months, "Freddie" begins to learn about the master and his group called ‘’The Cause’’, how they conduct therapy sessions in which they make you recall past memories, and supposedly can even cure your ailments. He struggles within "The Cause", his bouts of violence, impatience, and attitude only drives the group against him, all except for "The Master".
I found this movie very interesting and captivating. I found it a little slow paced but in a good way, because it leaves you wanting for more, expecting the answers. You want to know about "The Cause" and what they do, if their therapies work or not, who the Master really is (a charismatic leader or manipulating madman?). The story seems to be inspired in part by the life of L. Ron Hubbard, the creator of Scientology. And if you don’t know anything about Scientology apart from the fact that Tom Cruise is in it, boy you have a wild google search ride coming for you. I kind of liked that the movie wasn’t specifically about them, but more about Freddie’s experience with them.
The acting in this movie is very good, especially Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix is known for his superb acting skills, and this movie was no exception. His portrayal of "Freddie Quell" here reminds me of the "Joker" (2019) and his excellent job as "Arthur Fleck", a struggling comedian who is mentally unstable and ends up becoming "the Batman's" arch nemesis. Both "Freddie" and "Arthur" share similar qualities like their mental instability, aggression, and desire to find their way in life. Another notable performance was that of Philip Seymour Hoffman. Since the first moment we see him on camera you know he's in charge. I particularly liked how he always tries to be in control and level headed, but when under stress he just explodes in insults for a second until he regains his composure.
Overall "The Master" is a great movie, with masterful acting, an intriguing story that keeps you hooked, and characters that you want to know more of. The Master is like a home cooked meal in the oven, slowly heating up, and making you wait for that delicious bite. It doesn’t answer all your questions at once, and some not even at all. But just like Freddie, you have just enough knowledge for it to have changed you (for the better perhaps?) to keep asking more questions, and perhaps receive the right answers.
Watch the trailer
Written by Confused_coquí
Comments