The Master (Paul Thomas Anderson)

[baby doll]

Also, Ebert recently credited The Girlfriend Experience to James Toback

I knew Soderbergh couldn't direct all those movies himself!

[MadMan]

I'm not saying they don't like these movies, just that their top ten lists are systematically skewed towards late-year releases--in part, because these films are fresh in their memories, but also the climate of hype which makes some movies seem "big" and others "small." That said, obviously the vast majority of reviewers aren't interested in challenging movies (Dan Kois, Anthony Lane, Christy Lemire, Leonard Maltin, Rex Reed, Peter Travers, to a lesser extent Roger Ebert), and are perfectly content to cheerlead for whatever Harvey Weinstein has on tap for this year (hence, The Artist cleaning up at last year's New York Film Critics Circle Awards).

Normally I just watch whatever the hell I can get my hands on. And I um, loved The Artist, so I guess I'm part of the problem, eh?

That said, the reviewers you mentioned are people I don't read. I even stopped reading Ebert. I'd much prefer to read the opinions of the fine people here at match-cut (yes, even you baby-doll) instead. Perhaps that's really the big problem: film criticism has filtered down to the masses.

Anyways this came to my local theater, and I should probably go see it. Especially since I will end up watching it anyways if it gets awards buzz, just to see what the fuss is all about.

[Ezee E]

Quite the wide release. I'll see it tomorrow afternoon.

[Bosco B Thug]

So I'm not not not a PTA fan (his films are like big empty vessels), but I liked this and was distinctly moved by its story by the end. A picture of man-as-animal and the suffering and vacant relations caused by trying to delude ourselves otherwise.

[

Show Spoiler

The emotional reprieves allowed to Pheonix's character in the end are touching, as well as allowing us to be sort of happy about the Cause flourishing under a very-together Seymour Hoffman, whose friendship and symbiosis with Freddie is entirely real and genuine, while we in a very shrewd glimpse see Amy Adams the one seemingly capable of breaking apart at the seams.

]

There were also pacing issues and audience engagement issues, which PTA usually doesn't have a problem with. First quarter is very whatever. Criticism of its regular use of extreme close-ups seems to be the de rigeur criticism by nerds, but I respected that decision.

[Mr. McGibblets]

Should this definitely be seen in 70mm?

[Bosco B Thug]

Should this definitely be seen in 70mm?

The nerds (and most are PTA fans), again, are like, "Oh, this didn't need to be 70 mm, it's all close-ups!" But I say yeah, go for it. Bigger the better and I can't slag on PTA's visuals. Don't expect TWBB set pieces, though.

[Ezee E]

I had no option to see this in 70MM sadly. I think it would certainly be better. Not sure I understand Bosco's comment of PTA nerds... Pretty much any PTA fan is ecstatic at the idea that he did a movie in 70MM.

I'm at a mixed bag. I certainly didn't love it like all his previous movies right off the bat. It seems like one that I'll enjoy reading and discussing about more then actually watching it.

Looking forward to more talking about this before I give a rating. Maybe a second viewing too... Someday in 70MM hopefully.

[Ezee E]

oth in his post-war outsider role (although I liked that PTA is purposefully ambiguous about how much the war actually reshaped his psyche since it seemed like he was probably already a little nutso beforehand) .

Think a army recruiter talked him into it with the idea that it could shape his future or something?

Freddie's character is great in the way that everyone wants to help him, even though they should be repulsed, which some obviously are later.

[Bosco B Thug]

Not sure I understand Bosco's comment of PTA nerds... Pretty much any PTA fan is ecstatic at the idea that he did a movie in 70MM.

Oh, I meant general film nerds, and more so the "technically knowledgeable" kind. When I clarified that most were PTA fans, it was simply to say that it was fans of his work (who so happened to be "film-knowledgeable" types) who were still being super persnickety and super-critical about the "repetitive" shooting style, the 70 mm factor (saying the film didn't warrant the format), etc.

[Ezee E]

I still think any film nerd would say 70 mm is the only option if anything.

[ledfloyd]

this was totally engaging, and i like seeing a PTA who seems content to step back and let the work speak for itself rather than intoxicate audiences with spectacle. it's such a seamlessly crafted film. the lead performances are spellbinding and serve as a fascinating study in contrasts. phoenix's nervous, twitchy, method inhabitation of his character juxtaposed with hoffman's stately, wellesian performance. as to what it all means, i will have to ruminate on it further. but in terms of craft, it's stunning.

[Watashi]

Who will be the first nay? My heart goes out to Melville.

[MadMan]

Who will be the first nay? My heart goes out to Melville.

I predict trans, for some reason.

[transmogrifier]

I predict trans, for some reason.

I've liked all Anderson films to date; I don't see that changing. But you never know.

[Ezee E]

If I were to compare, it's more TWBB then anything, but not as masterful. Maybe more to think about though.

[ledfloyd]

i don't think it will take long, there are some legitimate problems someone could have with this film.

[Pop Trash]

Who will be the first nay? My heart goes out to Melville.

Sven, given his distaste for PSH is likely. I'm sure there will be others. Quite a few mubi-ers are 'meh' on it already.

[Ezee E]

i don't think it will take long, there are some legitimate problems someone could have with this film.

I'm borderline meh/good...

I think it may be his least watchable movie. It has the style of There Will Be Blood but without the multiple conflicts, set pieces, a rather epic nature, and a performance that outdoes PSH/Joaquin.

[MadMan]

I've liked all Anderson films to date; I don't see that changing. But you never know.

Ah, my mistake (in other words, damn I was wrong :P)

[ledfloyd]

I'm borderline meh/good...

I think it may be his least watchable movie. It has the style of There Will Be Blood but without the multiple conflicts, set pieces, a rather epic nature, and a performance that outdoes PSH/Joaquin.

i found it incredibly watchable, i want to see it again.

[Ezee E]

More good and good as I think about it. Seems about the usual response too.

Favorite scene is PSH singing.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I agree with pretty much everything in the negative Slant review. Just got back though, so I'll give it time.

[Ezee E]

This is my main problem with the movie, as written by Slant:

When these moments arrive, Anderson is operating in top form; the problem is simply that, unlike the films which came before it, The Master boasts too few of them.

[Milky Joe]

I know I've occasionally defended Armond White in the past, but this is one of the worst pieces of film criticism I've ever read. This combined with his championing of Mitt Romney on twitter has made me finally see the light: this guy is a joke who in his blind contrarianism very occasionally stumbles into being right.

I still don't quite know what to think of the film at hand, other than to echo what many people have said, ie, I was enthralled while watching it but I don't know what I'm supposed to take away from it, or more than that what I can take away from it. I need to see it again.

[Watashi]

I just learned that Armond White is a hardcore Christian neo-conservative. Now I know why he hates the movies he hates.