PREVIEW:The Master (15)

A favourite amongst film critics for his films displaying a vast array of filmic knowledge and techniques, Anderson was recognised as a constant director between 1996 - 2003 with popular releases such as Boogie Nights, Magnolia and Punch-Drunk Love.
Without a release in 5 years since his widely acclaimed film There Will be Blood, The Master is very much overdue and is a film that's worth every bit of the wait.

The Master sees a small selection of main cast members guiding the film along with Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator and Walk the Line) playing the role of the self-destructing Freddy Quell. Phoenix is joined by the experienced Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Big Lebowski and The Boat That Rocked) who once again displays all the characteristics that have made him famous, playing the role of the mysterious Lancaster Dodd. Amy Adams (Enchanted and The Fighter) joins the two as Hoffman's strangely devious wife Penny.
Along with a host of supporting actors the film has an array of qualities from both young and old to submerse yourself in.

Set just after the Second World War, The Master tells the story of Freddy Quell (Phoenix). Discharged from the US Navy due to psychological problems, Quell is riddled with addiction and violent behaviour, which as a mixture posses doomed outcome.
Based around the idea of 'cults' which director Anderson suggested were in large quantities after the war. Sees Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman) a mysterious man of many secrets and faces, a man obsessed with human potential, who questions the past and peoples previous lives.
Whilst drunk, Quell stumbles onto Dodds yacht, seeing the potential in Quell despite his many issues Dodd welcomes him into his cult known as 'the cause'.

Looking for help and Dodd willing to offer it the two and Dodd's wife Penny travel Eastern Europe preaching the idea of 'the cause' However, is Dodd who he says he is and can Quell be helped at all?

The Master is both engaging and gripping, with Anderson employing all the traits critics and fans adore to bring you a modern day thriller.

*The Master is a supremely confident work from a unique film-maker, just so different from the standard Hollywood output: audacious and unmissable*

Peter Bradshaw

*An often brilliant ’50s-throwback character drama that never feels nostalgic, with terrific central performances and a luminous, unforgettable visual beauty*

Damon Wise

Watch the trailer for The Master here and be sure not to miss it:

The Mater is showing at Gloucester Guildhall on 25th at 7.45pm, 26th at 10.45am & 7.45pm, 28th at 2pm & 7.45pm