The Master

“The Master” stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix with wasted appearances by Amy Adams and, Laura Dern,  A quality cast is working with virtually nothing of substance in this film  written and directed by Paul  Thomas Anderson.  Mr. Anderson should have had someone help him edit and delete many superfluous scenes, unnecessary dialogue and perhaps even give the film a beginning, a middle and an end, none of which can be found in its 2 hours and 15 plus minutes of footage.

Notwithstanding the surprising number of praises and accolades from the mucky mucks and professional nabobs, this is not a good film. The actors can use their performances as terrific vehicles for demonstrating their obvious individual skills but they don’t assimilate well in the movie in which they are performing

Spotty scene changes and meaningless and confusing plot lines make me wonder how any of these self-acclaimed professional movie critics can keep their jobs. They didn’t just like the film, they loved it. I kept waiting for the film to develop and become meaningful but it never happened. With kindness I give the film a 2 star rating, mainly because of Messrs. Hoffman and Phoenix’ performances. The writing and directing, however, in my opinion, leave much to be desired.