The Master - Movie Review by Chris Stuckmann

[@TheSuperQuail]

Didn't really think Joaquin Phoenix's character was insane, more damaged.

[@MumRah357]

How did you know he was insane, if he didn't have "damaged" tattooed in his forehead?

[@kingvon2181]

MumRah357 nice

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

He seemed more like an animal that someone wanted to tame . Like the scene when he took of on the motorcycle ( dog off it’s lease , set free). You can only train a dog to a certain point, can’t change its nature.

[@DoctorSportello]

Definitely damaged but also a bit insane I think. The processing scene answered that for me

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

I also saw him as someone with major ptsd and mother/father issues and he was a raging alcoholic

[@bandgeek89]

Joaquin Phoenix definitely deserved an Oscar for this role

[@fromartic]

He really deserved an oscar, but... come on, he was competing against, in my opinion, the best actor ever, Daniel Day Lewis, in one of his best performances, Lincoln. Cant top that

[@jamesfayton2270]

He was better than DDL that year

[@TheSuperotterpop]

Its hard when the Oscars dick ride period pieces. Not to downplay DDL's performance in Lincoln though

[@AlejandroGonzalez-gh1to]

bandgeek89 yeah I agree he definitely deserved

[@Billie0708]

Day Lewis is Great but Overrated too

[@1984-d3g]

personally I think this was Joaquin Phoenix's best performance

[@emilioginobili3851]

every movie he's ever been it's his best performance

[@TheSweBoo]

It's between this and Her

[@jasonh4477]

@Gerry Buckets He was just as impressive in 'Her' in my opinion.

[@jello4479]

This is hands down his best, and the best of the 2000's so far.

[@jello4479]

@Boxopizza Inurfridge It's still his best, but Joker is close

[@Colin-kh6kp]

Paul Thomas Anderson gets the absolute best performances from the absolute best actors.

[@SuperDuckPro]

Chris, you should review all of PTA's movies, like you did with David Fincher

[@supermariofan03]

SuperDuck Well with his reunion with Daniel Day Lewis this year, I hope he does.

[@kanem.s8718]

of course

[@297fihsy]

I feel like the plot could've been a little stronger overall, but the film was shot really well, acted really well, and the soundtrack was fantastic. Interesting film

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

I agree on the plot. Just seemed like two master actors doing their thing and doing it well. Glad I watched it.

[@aamesworld]

I think it was very deliberately done that way. It’s all in disarray…kinda like JPs character 😄

[@WaterHazard86]

Magnolia's my favorite. Aimee Mann's song broke me, P.T. Anderson's direction was off the charts, Tom Cruise was incredible (as well as the rest of the cast), and the storytelling is remarkable. Magnolia is a fucking masterpiece not to be missed.

[@gssheriff7278]

This movie was underrated and not appreciated. Well beyond Hollywood best.

[@wifine1951]

Because it wasn’t made by pedos

[@MichaelWutsch]

it was awful?

[@LuisSierra42]

@@MichaelWutsch no

[@tricky1506]

RIP Seymour Hoffman, truly a treasure that will be missed

[@shawn2196]

PTA's films ranked 1. Boogie Nights 10/10 2. There Will Be Blood 9.9/10 3. Magnolia 9.8/10 4. The Master 9.6/10 5. Punch Drunk Love 8.5/10

[@CarEdy23]

what do you think about Inherent Vice? it's personally my favorite of his.

[@jopvos9242]

1 There Will Be Blood - 10/10 2 Boogie Nights - 10/10 3 Punch-Drunk Love - 10/10 4 The Master - 9/10 5 Magnolia - 9/10 6 Phantom Thread - 8/10 7 Inherent Vice - 7/10 8 Hard Eight - 6/10

[@themiscreant65]

There will be blood and The Master are so fuckin pointless. One of the most overrated movies

[@BIGBIRD208]

TheMiscreant Could you elaborate? I love There Will Be Blood and I’d love to get your opinion.

[@thekingisfun-channel6258]

I'd give magnolia a 10/10. It's probably my favorite movie

[@youngceaser8078]

I think Joaquin phoenix did better than ddl in 2012 tbh

[@oz2770]

agreed

[@nicke.424]

I can definitely see that argument

[@yr77411]

*100%*

[@futile-evenings]

Exactly, ddl has been touted as the greatest but I personally can't see it, I can usually see him acting and playing a character. He did get better with age and there will be blood onwards really impressive. But Joaquin in this one is on another level altogether. Arguably the best acting ever and so believable.

[@MD-yf6gw]

@@futile-evenings I think this is more a consequence of the characters he plays rather than him being incapable of a convincing performance. You'll note characters like the butcher in Gangs of New York, or Plainview in TWBB are putting on a performance themselves. This is typical of really big characters even in real life, theyll always seem like theyre acting. If you see Daniels earlier performances before he got these massive roles, hes typically playing a local lad or something and is more than convincing.

[@28purplehaze]

My Favourite PTA movie is probably Boogie Nights just because I thought he really got he mix of funny and serious perfect in that movie. But, I would never discredit There Will Be Blood, That movie is a bonafide masterpiece in nearly everyway

[@johne.nobody2946]

It would be interesting to hear Chris give a re-review now that he’s come out as a former JW.

[@zacharyasbury2725]

Yes! As soon as I clicked here and saw Chris’ reaction I was like ohhhhhhh

[@fluff975]

chris, i am BEGGING you. Review inherent vice.

[@mooganify]

Hell yeah

[@jzpding]

^^^^

[@Jackhoppy]

Mobley Hernandez Very pretentious movie. Very watered down and dry (I know those are opposites--the movie has no taste to it). Just an American Hustle-esque ego trip with a huge cast. Wit and style doesn't make a movie, you have to have substance.

[@fluff975]

Hermin Hop Totally disagree.

[@Jackhoppy]

Mobley Hernandez Why is that?

[@nicholas4727]

Yeah it's one of those films that gets better each time you watch it again, it is an absolute classic. I think PTA's best work, in 25 years it will be considered his best.

[@yelsomhououin1603]

Paul Thomas Anderson great director.

[@markdemort]

In other news, the sky is blue.

[@blakekneippfilms]

Yelsom Hououin also, the world is round

[@yelsomhououin1603]

indeed m8.

[@mkphrakleio]

probably one of the best directors of his generation.

[@ejromm]

Orochimaru...

[@urzadek27]

RIP PSH

[@nicke.424]

As good as Phoenix was Philip Seymour Hoffman deserves so much praise for his character. RIP to a legend

[@artemovchinnikov1672]

Rewatching this review after your Jehovah’s Witnesses video. Man, now I understand.

[@alejomiranda95]

Same

[@tdoong_2375]

same (2)

[@jasperclydeinsd592]

Amy Adams’ performance deserved mentioning as well.

[@stevenstrauss9863]

This movie made me feel better about being misunderstood AND it made me feel I understood myself even better. I thought the movie maker made a fascinating and affecting dramatic film about things no one else is willing to bring up. I understand the booze chemistry project part of the story was based on a series of war stories Jason Robards told PTA between takes from his "hospital bed" on the set of Magnolia.

[@suttree3233]

Review all of PTA's work (There Will Be Blood, Punch-Drunk Love, Magnolia, Boogie Nights)

[@ELSITAFERNANDEZ]

There will be blood is one of my favorite films. I can c that movie every day and wont get bored. Amazing movie!!!!!!!

[@rexlongfellow]

Fincher Wright yes please!

[@Rhughese2221]

i would say this was unquestionably phoenixes greatest display of acting to date, with that being said he went on to turn in several unbelievable performances in the following year's that decade.

[@AlxRo66]

Ah man.. I'd LOVE to see Chris do a There Will Be Blood review

[@travisbest9041]

It is gorgeous. I particularly love that magic hour shot aboard the yacht when Phoenix is passing dirty notes to the ladies.

[@andrewberger3270]

whos watching this in 2019?

[@Himynameismatt9]

Andrew Berger I’m on that 2020 shi 👀

[@LukenatorFTW]

My god. If this film doesn’t hold a candle to Chris’ struggle then I don’t know what does. It’s wild seeing a film review from Chris which hits so many knifes of resonance with him. A resonance we didn’t full understand until almost 10 years later. I love you man! Keep making these

[@fashizzlebadizzle6552]

One of the best movies of all time,

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

Joaquin is carrying his legacy as well as the "firey" power of the Phoenix family.

[@nannybells]

i watched this when it came out in 2012 and i remember a lot of people walked out of the theater lol but i was just staring at it with my mouth hanging open and when i left i was just like this too, truly an experience.

[@aryehwells1539]

Chris please review there will be blood. PLEASE

[@HULK-HOGAN1]

I probably grasped 15% of the themes in this movie. I mostly watched it because of the impressive cinematography and amazing acting / character interactions.

[@88andizzle]

try Inland Empire or Muholland drive. david lynch.

[@matthewb8493]

andy smit I love both of those especially inland empire

[@therush757]

My two word review of Inland Empire: “Wait, what?”

[@MichaelChapman18]

You hit it right on the head with this review Chris. I loved The Master as well, especially Joaquin Phoenix and Phillip Seymour-Hoffman's performances. They're both gonna get nominated for sure, but I gravitated towards Joaquin more. The story was complicated at times, but I was happy to be challenged because that's what you expect when watching a P.T Anderson film. The cinematography, the directing, and the acting were all top notch in this one.

[@beyondtheend9144]

One of the greatest performances you'll never see again. Because Philip is dead.R.I.P Legend.

[@chrismhp]

I'm on the boat of having you do an analysis for this film! Taking into account how unconventional and nonlinear its narrative is, it makes the movie much harder to grasp and much more a subjective experience; which is what real art is all about! Well imo anyway. I see The Master as a character study about two men on the opposite spectrum from each other who somehow connect, and the great tensions this causes. Freddie is like the embodiment of everything Peggy finds to be dangerous in Dodd.

[@Johnnysmithy24]

I didn’t really like this movie. The acting was flawless, the cinematography was great, and I’m sure it’s very deep. But I found the plot to be extremely uninteresting. I hate using the word boring when criticizing a movie as I think that’s the cheapest laziest criticism possible, but that’s exactly how I felt about this movie. And NO I do not like action films. I’m fine with people loving this movie, I get it, but this plot had nothing that made me wanna watch it. Maybe I’ll see it again in some time and I’ll change my mind.

[@AndySomething]

I've just watched it for the first time and I completely agree. Being so thin on plot made it feel very meandering and kind of exhausting to watch honestly.

[@Johnnysmithy24]

@@AndySomething Thank you

[@paulelroy6650]

You just dont care for character pieces which is fine but that's not the films fault

[@Johnnysmithy24]

@@paulelroy6650 You know nothing about me, cause character pieces are my favorite type of films. Could it be that maybe I find this particular character and thematic completely uninteresting?? Oh no it just has to be that I don’t like character pieces, of course

[@Johnnysmithy24]

@@paulelroy6650 You know you can like good movies and still find other “good movies” boring. Bergman thought that Godard’s films were the most boring films he’d ever seen

[@DarrenSemotiuk]

What you said @ 3:13 is SO TOTALLY TRUE, about IMDB message boards, after watching a film that stirs the emotions or confuses the brain. IMDB message boards. Now you've made me SAD...

[@marisaj2346]

This movie is a masterpiece in every aspect. It’s a peak PTA. Would be interesting to hear your take on it again after all these years’.

[@naheenhabib7299]

My favorite Paul Thomas Anderson film is boogie nights. But in my opinion my second favorite Paul Thomas Anderson film is 'punch drunk love' which some people will disagree but people will choose " there will be blood" as there favorite Paul Thomas Anderson film

[@jmmurica2885]

Granted, I only saw it once, today. I had one question which lingered till the end answered my question. My question, will Freddie “see” the master...Master’s “cause” is finding out Who you are, & “showing” ( through false manipulation) why you are. I expected a “a ha” moment in Freddie’s eyes when he discovered the Machinations of , specifically, Master, bc right away Freddie learned the wife, the daughter had their own agendas. That expected moment of realization on Freddie’s face didn’t happen bc he “saw” something in Master, he realized something of himself. The freedom of mind & spirit “the cause” offered, Freddie already possessed; though to be more fair in my assessment, Freddie had indeed suffered a mental break, previously to meeting Master. I look at Master’s character utilizing Freddie to gain dominance over his wife, daughter, and by bending Freddie to his will, dominance of his son, who already understood & could “see.” When Freddie’s attempted to use Master’s technique at the end, with the woman from the pub, Freddie discovered, clearly, persuasion of other, to a different reality than they already possessed, wasn’t a path he should or would take. Though the Master got him to England, without acknowledging, the Master, himself, asked Freddie to come, only reinforced Freddie’s realization, he wasn’t going to find purpose, direction for next steps. (One last attempt at manipulation by Master, is the song, suggestively sung to Freddie, telling him,, Freddie, “you can be my lover, if you stay)The ending shot, Freddie is still alone, lonely and perhaps no one will come to change the course of his life. If the closing shot was not meant to signify “actual” death, him dying; the people walking past him, out of focus in frame, tells me, not death, but exhaustion is Freddie closing his eyes, in the sand, alone.

[@RetIntVids]

0:57 What the hell? How can you claim it has layers that are only seen upon multiple viewings if you haven't seen it more than once?

[@GabnDad]

I agree this film requires a repeat viewing... Trouble is, I don't want to watch it again! I really admire the artistry, but I wanted more 'traditional' story/message to draw me in. I generally love PTA, when his filmmaking really elevates my involvement in the story/characters - like Blood / Boogie / Magnolia. Ultimately I was disappointed in Master.

[@bottle1lack743]

Very good review, love the movie, the cinematography is stunning it was shot with 70mm camera like those back in the day, incredible performance from both Joaquin Phoneix and Phillip Seymour Hoffman (RIP), the fact that most people don't understand some aspects of the movie is exactly what makes it a masterpiece. There are bits of Freddie Quell's madness in all of us.

[@pandarouge21]

I just watched this yesterday with my dad, and it was not what I expected, but I liked it. We were both a bit confused as to what it was actually about, or what was going on at times, but I just took it for what it was, without trying to understand the deep ass meaning behind it, if there is one. I just took the story we were given and I liked it. But I'll probs have to watch it again yeah

[@tonitoni3780]

Review inherent vice, its strange movie.

[@supermariofan03]

People say Boogie Nights. People say There Will be Blood. Magnolia however is my favorite of his.

[@moeezS]

It seems like Pretty Much It, What the Flick, and now Chris Stuckmann have been disappointed or left cold to some extent by this movie. Obviously I'll check it out, but keep expectations in check and see if it can beat my number 1 movie this year, Beasts of the Southern Wild.

[@petplatypus]

wouldn't that be the opposite? should a great film have a well told and complex yet understandable story? I'm not saying this is bad movie, far from it but to me a story should be told so you completely understand it the first time

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

Lancaster also loved Freddie because he was insane like him. Not only are the characters multilayered, but so is the film. However Cloud Atlas broke the record for having the most ideas cram packed into one film.

[@Infodawg2012]

I disliked all the main characters in this movie and I couldn't wait for it to end.

[@Blodia1990]

Great technical achievements in the acting, writing, cinematography, score BUT the story is muddled and unfocused

[@thePANDEMlC]

I did not know Doris went to Norway or Freddy went to China. I'll blame the audio being awfully low during speaking scenes. Thanks for the clarification.

[@0axel078]

I really don't think The Master is as difficult to grasp as, say, Enemy (which isn't impossible to get either). I definitely was able to grasp it, and don't think that the way it challenges the viewer is a negative. I would've given it an A.

[@snackpup]

i saw this movie in a theater with a bunch of old people and we had a laugh. every time hoffman went on about perfection phoenix was there to mess things up. just goes to show you that man cannot save himself!

[@nateds7326]

This would've been an easy A+ for me. great review as always.

[@RolandKirtley]

Chris, how did you feel immediately after watching the movie? I felt drained, and couldn't even form an opinion at first. It took me like an hour to gather myself up again and actually start thinking intelligently about what I just saw.

[@57Carlibra]

Your review was right on, a fascinating movie with supreme acting and directing. I agree, this movie caused my appreciation for Joaquin Phoenix acting to be totally reappraised, he was absolutely memorizing.

[@imjack1041]

I had to watch it two times to (kinda) understand what's happening. This movie is brilliant.

[@brianpso]

Watching this review after watching "Joker" makes you think "The hint was there all along" doesn't it?

[@HumbleVillain93]

That's an interesting point but you might be over-analytical because from what I've heard from interviews with PTA is that the theme revolves around the platonic love story between these guys and the singing was sort of a romantic goodbye. Which is quite the opposite goodbye of TWBB when Daniel calls his adopted son a "bastard from a basket". You should also take into account the continuing lyrics,"I want to get you on a slow boat to china ALL TO MYSELF".

[@Igotoeleven]

Everyone in the movie labeled Freddie as insane because it was obvious. Lancaster was the true in face of insanity and no one could see it but Freddie.

[@lilbigman777]

Been waiting for this review, very nicely done Chris.

[@mackielunkey2205]

I really hope he re-watches this film.

[@theminingbat]

PTA Ranked IMO: 1. There Will Be Blood 2. Phantom Thread 3. The Master 4. Boogie Nights 5. Magnolia 6. Punch-Drunk Love 7. Anima 8. Inherent Vice

[@yourfriendlyneighbor-x3x]

After watching, there will be blood then phantom thread, and then the master, I realized that Paul Thomas Anderson is absolutely incredible at making disturbing films.

[@KennethRathburn]

It's funny you mentioned 2001: A Space Odyssey, because between seeing this and There Will Be Blood, I've officially decided that Paul Thomas Anderson is the new Stanley Kubrick.

[@DrDolan2000]

Just watched it again. Originally, I gave it a 7, but now, it's an 8 for me. I love the acting, the music, the characters, the story, and the dialogue. I can actually see myself in Freddie in regards to his fixation on sex. I don't have it as bad as he does, but I understand it well enough. And I find the philosophy of Lancaster Dodd pretty interesting, even though I don't believe in that stuff. There's also something about Freddie's mannerisms and the way he talks that just draws me in. I don't know why. It must be the Joaquin Phoenix Effect

[@justinholland9844]

I think every film of Anderson's after There Will Be Blood had masterclass acting trying to compensate for a weak plot.

[@alphacause]

The acting for “The Master” is some of the best acting you will see all year. The cinematography is also some of the best you will see all year. So would I rank this as one of the top movies of the year, given these two facts? No! Why? Well, regardless of how well acted or how beautiful a film looks on screen it should have a plot that actually goes somewhere. This film, despite being beautifully shot and having tour de force performances goes nowhere in terms of a story. It just meanders.

[@tylerlittle986]

This review made me watch it your viewers love you Chris

[@amitabhmishra7401]

The Master and There will be Blood. Paul Thomas Anderson is one the best directors of all time

[@dandylion6]

Great review. I loved the film, but was confused after the first watch. I’ve seen it 4 times and it holds up.

[@debbiechambers7140]

@ChrisStuckmann Also, understanding that about Freddie is one of the keys to truly understanding this film. Freddie and Dodd's relationship was fueled by the Dodd's fascination with Freddie's ability to allow himself the be the "true animal" that the human honestly is (one without inhibitions and who reacts purely based on personal emotion), and Dodd sees it as a failure that his "religion" can't truly change the true nature of humanity. Freddie, however, needs Dodd so he can (cont.)

[@ds37]

I am so eager to watch this movie, but I live in Switzerland and this movie will probably come out here long after the oscars. I want to see all the oscar worthy movies before the Oscar so that I could give my impressions about the nominees and the winners without being biased.

[@foggyvhs8790]

Oh, one of your old reviews haha. Picked this up today on bluray for 3$ oddly a lot of copies at the store. Looking forward to seeing it now thanks Chris!

[@futile-evenings]

JP smashed this out of the park and into another continent. You really believed every bit of this character there was no acting, it was scary at times

[@violenthell]

Me, being very very familiar with scientology (would never be interested in getting into it of course) I thought this film was excellent on many levels. I don't need to really watch it again because I understood everything even the visual referencing the film portrayed (that scene with all the naked women). Furthermore, if you don't like this movie then it's because you just didnt get it, also if you thought it was boring then how could you have possibly be interested in a movie called The Master which looked like a drama following a troubled man (in the trailers), the interest in such a movie from a person that is easily bored baffles me. Maybe its just me, I've always understood movies on the first viewing even 2001, I am excluding Primer by Shane Carruth, I had to watch that multiple times to get it.

[@BEASTxMODE]

RIP PSH and IMDB message boards 3:12

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

Even though I thought this was one of the slowest dramas I've ever seen, I still gave it a B+ because I knew there was a point to the slowness XD

[@TheSpaceMouseGaming]

Hey Chris! Where do you buy your movie posters and how do you put them on your wall behind you?

[@csjcsj2906]

Did you see it in 70mm?

[@phillipgonzalez5011]

This movie I was so excited to watch it but after 45 min I don’t see where it’s getting at after 1:20min I still don’t see where it’s getting at its amazing acting the way the movie looks and the scenes are awesome but I can’t stay entertained after a while , only reason I finished it was because I love the actors but this movie is probably one of the slowest most overrated movie I’ve seen thus far I still think there will be blood is better and its dialogue keep me a lot more engaged than the master

[@zimasajam]

I agree with you 100% I won't trust reviewers again

[@zimasajam]

I agree with you 100% I won't trust reviewers again

[@debbiechambers7140]

Well, from someone who isn't a teenage male, a fanboy, a comic book geek, and who has matured into adulthood, the film took itself so seriously that it was borderline cheesy and over the top. It tried to elevate superhero entertainment into high art, and failed miserably. Plus, it was a borefest, and batman was only kicking ass in it for like 10 minutes. I feel like the only people who could take that film as seriously as a masterpiece are people who haven't watched alot of films.

[@socal808]

i have never agreed so much with a review in life, i saw The Master twice. the first time i appreciated it but was let down i thought the performances were fantastic and it had an interesting story and was beautifully shot but still let down but i saw it again 2 days after and was blown a way. all of PTA movies demand to be viewed more than once and this is movie is exception. There Will Be Blood, Magnolia & Boogie Nights are better in my opinion but this is a fantastic film i give it a 10/10

[@AntiBeach09]

it fun to watch how excited chris will get about some movies. good review man

[@Pyridius]

Definitely feels different watching this after learning about Chris's past

[@phils8751]

Again Phoenix mumbles incoherently enough to be Oscar-worthy lol never knew movie was about Scientology... One of my favorite directors and actors in Hoffman! Miss him!

[@theflamer44]

What's happening with your ratings? I never disagreed with them until your latest few videos. I was expecting an A+ from how you described the film.

[@FalconPunch256]

I honestly don't think so, the song is about wandering without meaning or freely. I feel that it wholly represents Freddy's "roaming", "be the first one to exist without a master" he says. The song was not malicious;rather, emotional. The song means a lot to Freddy on that level, and Dodd knows that. I don't think that he is reminding him of his failure, just elucidating the life Freddy chooses to live.

[@Linkinbird617]

I fully grasped it on first viewing, just saying. Same with There Will Be Blood and 2001: A Space Odyssey for that matter. Therefore, I don't think it's a flaw in the film, instead I think it's determined by wether or not you and the film are on the same page. Especially at the early stages. For instance, I was not on board at all with Boogie Nights. My brain simply, went to different places when interpreting the film, and by the end credits I knew I had watched something well made, however I felt I was still missing something.

[@bricecate]

I gotta say, acting, A+, 100% they were real. But the film itself I didnt love. Seemed to smell it's own farts a little.

[@futuropasado]

One of the best films of the century, best of this decade. Its just not an easy film the first time.

[@TheSuperotterpop]

If you love this movie you'd love There Will Be Blood. YOU NEED TO REVIEW IT

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

You're right about that, but Prometheus was still good and a breath of fresh air for the Sci Fi space genre.

[@conradsanjose5093]

about to watch it now. just wondering if you'll do a movie analysis of this in case I'll have questions. just like how you enlightened me with Enemy (2014).

[@TheRedGiraffes]

I think you should include the trailer in the beginning of the reviews and also included time of the review starts in the info if you would like to skip the trailer.

[@crisaguilar8766]

Really enjoy your reviews, Chris! Would really to hear your take on Magnolia!

[@trolllesupersayen9704]

Joaquim Phoenix = One of the best actor ever, he prove that another time in this movie. First one hour of the film = perfect, second hour = Good, End = Okay

[@nkporto19]

did u do all the movies u had seen in toronto or not yet? i was just wondering

[@CameronBrooks]

I was an extra in that beach fighting scene.. it sucks how I can't point out a screen capture lol