"The Master" - Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix

Photo Credit: The Weinstein Company

Individuals with a troubled past and a fractured family tend to be easy targets for cult leaders. After all, they are longing for someone to care about them and perhaps explain why their life has been so tough. Is it their own fault, or just God's will? Those lost children, of any age, jump at the kindness and attention that can be bestowed upon them by the crafty cult members who are looking to garner an army of supporters in order to build their organization. This is the set-up for writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film The Master, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Phoenix portrays Freddie Quell, a soldier returning from the second World War, who is battling post traumatic stress disorder and a sex addiction. His father has passed away and his mother is apparently confined to an institution. His only other close familial tie is to his aunt, but the nature of their relationship is unhealthy, to say the least. Freddie did have a girlfriend, but he did not bother to contact her when he came home from the war. So, he is alone and drifting until he stows away on a boat owned by Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman), who offers Freddie a place to stay and speaks to him about his organization, known as "The Cause." Dodd appears to like Freddie, but he may just see an easily manipulated young man who is lost in every sense of the word. Freddie also happens to be an alcoholic and can become violent in an instant. In other words, he needs help and Dodd seems eager to be there for him.

Dodd can offer Freddie guidance and care for his everyday needs and the price is simple loyalty, which Freddie readily gives. He hangs on Dodd's every word, even when others within "The Cause" understand that Dodd is making things up as he goes along. Freddie even exacts physical revenge on those who question his "master" and his sometimes outrageous claims. Eventually, Dodd is arrested for dispensing medication without a license. During the arrest, Freddie attacks several officers and is also taken away. After being thrown in jail, Freddie has a meltdown and a serious argument with Dodd ensues. Freddie accuses him of lying and they have a falling out. However, all is forgiven when Freddie returns to the home of one of Dodd's supporters, as they aggressively embrace each other, which may lead viewers to wonder what type of relationship the two of them actually share. It appears to be far stronger than just a teacher and a student or even close friends.

Freddie's behavior, including his excessive drinking do not go unnoticed by others in "The Cause" and he is encouraged to clean himself up if he intends to stay. He promises to do just that, but soon falls back into his old ways. Instead of finding salvation, Freddie continues to become more disillusioned and lost during his time with Dodd, but he really does not seem to fit in anywhere. He needs help, but is not getting it from "The Cause," which further complicates his relationship with Dodd and prompts him to make a change.

The performances by Hoffman and Phoenix buoy The Master, but I am not sure if I understand what the film is really about. It appears to be a character study of two unique individuals and not necessarily a cautionary tale of the repercussions of being a cult member. In fact, I am not sure if the true purpose of "The Cause" is ever discussed in detail. Yes, Dodd is in charge and most everyone goes along with what he says, but what is he really offering his members, other than a place to stay and food to eat? When they hang on his every word and believe everything he says, Dodd is able to manipulate them with lies and false promises and thus takes away their free will. I wish more time would have been devoted to explaining the meaning of "The Cause" and why so many members stuck around.

As good as the performances are, they cannot sustain a two plus hour film, which seems to meander around. While the subject matter is thought provoking, it is also very dark and depressing, which is not easy to watch. Even though I wanted Freddie to get the help he desperately needed, he is unlikable, as is Dodd, so it is difficult to find anyone to root for or really care about. To make matters worse, both characters continue to hurt others as the film goes along, making them both even less appealing.

The talented supporting cast, including Amy Adams, Laura Dern and Jesse Plemmons (Friday Night Lights), are not used enough or to their full potential. I also felt rather cheated with how The Master concludes, as I expected more resolution between the lead characters. In any event, the film is worth seeing for the performances and the technical aspects, including the top notch cinematography, but do not expect to be enlightened by Paul Thomas Anderson's screenplay.

The Master is still playing in limited release.