The Master

The Master, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams is a long, over two hours and 20 minutes, complex drama. This is not a happy movie, nor a story that will leave you thinking – there's no blockbuster action or comedic relief. However, this is an engaging character study with superb acting. Phoenix plays a troubled, alcoholic World War II veteran that is lost and seeking his way through life. He stumbles upon Hoffman, the charismatic leader of a postwar New Age religion – based loosely on Scientology, and the life of Ron Hubbard. His wife is played by Amy Adams. The story centers around the relationship between these two very different men. Hoffman wants to save Phoenix, probably for his own selfish reasons, but also Phoenix desperately needs the love and affection, the stability that Hoffman can give. Some of the New Age religion stuff is a little weird and overly dramatic, but in general the acting is excellent, and the story is easy to follow. I was completely engaged and followed the progression of their relationship eagerly. The ending left a little bit to be desired, but this was not your traditional storybook type of movie – no ending would have been perfect. If you like excellent acting, complex relational drama, superb dialogue, and very well done cinematography – then I recommend this as a rental. If you're looking for pure entertainment, fun or action, then you probably should look somewhere else.