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DramaYear2012Duration2h 18mIMDb7.1

The Master

Drama

A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by a cult and its charismatic leader.

Trailer

Cast

Paul Thomas Anderson

Director

Joaquin Phoenix

Freddie Quell

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Lancaster Dodd

Amy Adams

Peggy Dodd

Price Carson

V.A. Doctor

Mike Howard

Rorschach Doctor

SS

Sarah Shoshana David

V.A. Nurse

Bruce Goodchild

V.A. Doctor

Bruce Goodchild

Interview

MH

Matt Hering

V.A. Patient

Dan Anderson

V.A. Patient

Andrew Koponen

V.A. Patient

Jeffrey W. Jenkins

V.A. Patient

PW

Patrick Wilder

V.A. Patient

RC

Ryan Curtis

V.A. Patient

JL

Jay Laurence

V.A. Patient

AA

Abraxas Adams

V.A. Patient

TB

Tina Bruna

Portrait Customer

Kevin Hudnell

Portrait Customer

HC

Hunter Craig

Portrait Customer

Paul Thomas Anderson

Writer

Comments

10 Comments

DBSep 23, 2025

2:9:00

DBSep 23, 2025

1:8:20

DBSep 23, 2025

13:00

KamleshJul 21, 2024

CreatorMikkiJul 19, 2024

Taha.vlogsJul 19, 2024

NichadiaJul 16, 2024

Emmanuel Cœur BlancMay 30, 2023

DonnalynMay 29, 2023

source: The Master

Gabbi GarciaNov 22, 2022

"The Master" is a film where a very messed up man, Freddie (Joaquin Phoenix), drifts through life after serving in WWII. He accidentally falls in with a very strange and charismatic man (Philip Seymour Hoffman)--a man who ultimately changes his life. Using a variety of brainwashing and hypnotic techniques (similar to the auditing done in Scientology), he manages to get very close to the Master--and becomes a very devoted disciple. "The Master" is a film that the Academy loved (with three acting nominations), as did the professional film reviewers. However, the public stayed away and the film, at least according to IMDb estimates, was a total financial bust. And, after seeing the film, I could see why folks didn't go to see the film. Part of it surely was the subject matter--most people aren't particularly interested in a story about an L. Ron Hubbard-like guru leading a cult. Part of it is that the film isn't exactly family-friendly--with some VERY crude scenes (particularly at the beginning but they are sprinkled throughout). Most of it, however, is that the film is VERY, VERY slow, seemingly directionless and dull. In essence, the film had no idea WHAT it was saying about Scientology or anything for that matter and when it counted, the film constantly pulled its punches. Sure, the acting is nice, but I had a heck of a time sticking with this one. rather unpleasant film. And, while I normally love a longer film, in this case it was not an asset. It was interesting that Phoenix chose to do this film. I assume it might have to do with him growing up in a an organization often seen as a cult. Perhaps it was his way of dealing with this part of his past.

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