The Master is a 2012 drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, Ambyr Childers, and Rami Malek. The movie revolves around a sect led by Lancaster Dodd and his loyal follower Freddie Quell, a World War II veteran who suffers from PTSD.
The movie starts with Freddie finding himself working as a photographer and later a farmer in California. However, due to his tendency to pick fights with people, he gets involved in a fight that results in serious injury to one of the other farmers. Freddie then flees to San Francisco, where he meets Lancaster Dodd, who is a leader of a new movement called “The Cause.”
Lancaster Dodd and Freddie Quell’s relationship starts with Freddie being asked to create an alcoholic drink for the movement. Lancaster claims that the drink helps him to open up more to new experiences. Freddie, being a good follower, creates the drink with thinner and presents it to Lancaster, who he seems to have met before but cannot remember where or when they first encountered each other.
Throughout the movie, Lancaster helps Freddie with his past issues that still haunt him to this day. One of these is his former girlfriend, Doris, whom he promised to go back to but never did. Meanwhile, tensions rise between Lancaster and a visitor called John More, who questions the legitimacy of the movement and its teachings.
Despite his erratic behavior, including assaulting people who question the teachings of the movement, Freddie remains chosen as Lancaster’s protégé. The two men have a unique bond that is built on the idea that one accepts the other’s flaws and imperfections unconditionally. This devotion leads to Freddie taking part in some questionable techniques used by the movement, such as “processing,” which aims to help people process trauma.
The dynamic between Lancaster and Freddie is unique, as Lancaster takes on the role of a father figure for Freddie. Lancaster shows Freddie acceptance that he never received from his own parents. Lancaster’s wife, Peggy, also acts as a mother figure for Freddie, offering him acceptance and comfort that he lost at a young age.
However, through the eyes of the other members of The Cause, it is apparent that Freddie’s behavior can be dangerous. They worry that Lancaster’s unconditional acceptance of Freddie may lead to disastrous consequences for the movement. Despite this, Lancaster remains loyal to his protégé and never wavers in his support of him.
In conclusion, The Master is a gripping drama that explores the complex relationship between sect leaders and their loyal followers. The movie shows how the acceptance and unconditional trust between the follower and the leader can create a bond that can withstand any challenge. It also portrays how people can get lost when searching for inner peace and spiritual growth. With its unique storyline and excellent cast, The Master is a movie that will leave you pondering over its content long after you have watched it.
