The Master - Movie Review

Movie Review

I was really looking forward to The Master–and since it opened in limited release, there was a bit of extra anticipation involved. Why was I so interested? Word was out that the movie was loosely based on L. Ron Hubbard and the origins of Scientology, and I’ve read a lot about Hubbard–Robert Heinlein (science fiction writer) and John Campbell (Hubbard’s editor) talked about him and his theories a lot in their correspondence, and Campbell was a big supporter of Dianetics, the “science of mental health” that was the precursor to Scientology.

The Master is the story of two men: Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), author of The Cause, a charismatic, intellectual, energetic man; and Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), an ex-navy, drifter who is mentally unstable, perverted, and an alcoholic.

At the beginning of the film, World War II is ending, and Freddie is being sent off by the navy to find his way in the world. They are clearly aware he is mentally unstable, and just as clearly are washing their hands of him. He is violent, slimy, and unpleasant; he drifts through various odd jobs, his only talent one for mixing potent alcoholic brews.

Then a chance meeting with the Master changes everything. Freddie is welcomed, and he is indoctrinated into the principles of The Cause. Dodd and his wife Peggy (Amy Adams) are the de facto leaders of a cult-like group, and you get to see Freddie’s introduction to the various techniques, as they try to “remake” him. This is a detailed look at the workings of a cult–how someone feeling lost or inadequate could easily find the acceptance and warmth not just tempting, but even addicting. Even as Freddie seemed to question some of the teachings, he remained strangely devoted to Dodd.

You could see the influence of Dianetics and Scientology all through the film–it certainly made it a more compelling experience for me. In particular, “processing” seems to be a direct analog to Dianetics’s auditing technique. Other events in the movie do seem to parallel specific events in the timeline of Scientology: the accusation of running a medical school with no license, selected locations that are used as the base of operations, and many others.

At over two hours, The Master rambles a bit as it tells the story. Dodd may or may not believe what he is saying–it’s left to the viewer to determine if he has a true calling or is a gifted conman, but either way, Philip Seymour Hoffman is incredibly charismatic every time he opens his mouth on screen. He is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Joaquin Phoenix plays Freddie with a perpetual sneer, an odd posture, and a weird gait–he is so immersed in this role that he never drops out of character. He is truly mind-boggling on screen. Amy Adams is very compelling in the role of Dodd’s super-supportive wife–sweet on the surface, yet frighteningly devious and complex.

Overall, I’d call it utter weirdness in a movie theater, with a dash of violence and shocking nudity. At the very least, it’s chock full of amazing performances–your mileage may vary.

Oh–and I covet the classic Triumph . . . .

Elektra Hammond
Buzzy Mag Editor & Reviewer