Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) is a troubled, boozy drifter struggling with the trauma of World War II and whatever inner demons ruled his life before that. On a fateful night in 1950, Freddie boards a passing boat and meets Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of a religious movement called the Cause. Freddie tries hard to adhere to Dodd’s weird teachings and forms a close bond with his mentor, even as other members of Dodd’s inner circle see him as a threat.
Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) is a troubled, boozy drifter struggling with the trauma of World War II and whatever inner demons ruled his life before that. On a fateful night in 1950, Freddie boards a passing boat and meets Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of a religious movement called the Cause. Freddie tries hard to adhere to Dodd’s weird teachings and forms a close bond with his mentor, even as other members of Dodd’s inner circle see him as a threat.
"THE MASTER will burrow its way into your mind, heart and soul, and simmer there long after you leave the theater."
NPR
"On reflection, and despite these cavils, we should bow to The Master, because it gives us so much to revere, starting with the image that opens the film and recurs right up to the end."
New Yorker
"I believe in the church of Paul Thomas Anderson. Fierce and ferociously funny, The Master is a great movie, the best of the year so far, and a new American classic."
Rolling Stone
Academy Award nominee
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role- Joaquin Phoenix,
Academy Award nominee
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role- Philip Seymour Hoffman; Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role- Amy Adams
Golden Globe nominee
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama)- Joaquin Phoenix