Paul Thomas Anderson seems to have two types of films. The fun, show-off character study that is fast paced and oozes energy. His past three films, have been slow-paced, dark, and philosophic character studies. The only similarity between the two is the mere-fact that they share the genre that PTA has mastered, character studies. Every character in his films feel fully realized. A true breathing, living human-being that I could find anywhere. The characters in The Master seem to be polar opposites, but they both wish to be the other. The first one Lancaster Dodd, is the leader of a religious cult similar to Scientology, one with devout followers whose bible is a fiction book and its author is their God. He runs into Freddie Quell, is a veteran, a quiet and mysterious man who drinks his sorrows away. He is the only who isn’t following Lancaster and seems to truly see him and his religion fo what it is. Lancaster wants to leave the spotlight, and the religion he didn’t mean to start. Freddie has a care free attitude, but wants to be taken seriously, and desires the family life that Lancaster has.
When discussing the film, you have to begin with the title. Who is the master? It seems obvious at first, but as you begin to look into it, it seems not so clear. Freddie seems to have the most influence on Lancaster, who portrays a seemingly god like figure. His decisions begin to revolve around Freddie. They are filmed and viewed by the director and audience as equals, despite one being more highly viewed by everyone else in the film. It makes statements that God seems to maybe need us more than we need it. It also questions how much he believes his own teachings, and if someone doubting it is correct or just not bright enough to get it, which is a theory that can be applied to this film.
We are gifted with three incredible performance, beautiful cinematography, and dialogue that sounds like poetry. This is a film that could be interpreted many different ways, and a million viewings would still leave someone puzzled at its true meaning. But all the above elements make this film one that is experienced, not watched. Or maybe everything I’m saying is wrong and you hate it your first watch and never want to see it again. Either way I highly recommend you watch this film. Thanks for reading and make sure to come back next week for another installation of Jackson’s obscure film of the week.