The Master

[peter]

Finally got round to seeing this film last night after much anticipation and great expectations. I regard 'Magnolia' amongst my all time favorite films and on this basis was hoping for something exeptional; I wasn't dissapointed. It's a work of art, meticulously crafted and acted and one that leaves haunting images sculling around the mind long after it's closing shot - but I didn't like it. I found Jochaim Phoenix's charachter repellent and Philip Seymore Homman's thinly disguised parody of L Ron Hubbard cold and manipulative in the extreme. But that said, both were brilliant and like the cult religion they developed, both without heart or feeling.
Phoenix for starters gives such a masterful performance of a man, ragged and always on the verge of total meltdown that it is almost impossible to believe he is acting [Given his recent activities it is entierly possible he isn't]. His appearence alone, with one dead side to his face, his slurred speech and his thin grey pallor is frightening and along side his dangerous manical intensity, becomes almost painfull to watch.
Hoffman plays, well...Hoffman - but to great effect. We are treated to rare glimpses of how 'the Master' is in fact winging it as he goes along and each time he is threatened with exposure as a sham he responds with fury and bullying untill the threat is passed.
To what extent the film represents the true origins of Scientology I can't say - but it is a frightening exposure of how a brilliant mind could manipulate and goad a fringe of vulnerable people into a cod religion, and might just pull it off! [I have a vision of a world 2000 years from now where Scientologists war with Jedi Knights and speak reverently about their early history whan the appostle's Tom Cruise and Ewan McGregor came forth to spearhead the promulgation of their respective creed's].
This isn't pleasant viewing - don't watch it in front of the kids - but see it at all costs. You won't like it - but you won't regret it when it's over.

[Hashi Lebwohl]

I had been meaning to see this one so I think I'll go get it. I never need an excuse to visit Movie Trading Company, one of my favorite stores.

Hoffman is a highly skilled actor who suffers from insufficient name recognition. From what I know of the film, we aren't supposed to like Mr. Phoenix's character and Mr. Hoffman's character is definitely modeled on L. Ron Hubbard, who really was manipulative and liked to surround himself with sycophants (much like Ayn Rand--even though I like many aspects of Objectivism I don't fawn over her like many do).

[peter]

Will be *very* interested to hear your thoughts Hashi. I've been talking about the film for days - it's really had quite a profound effect on me. L Ron Hubbard was obviously a very intellegent man. It won't give anything away to say that in one line of the film Hoffman refers to the importance of humour in self-examination and spiritual development. It makes me wonder if for Hubbard it was all just a ruse - a big joke to see how far it could all go. And maybe 2000 years down the line - who knows.

[Hashi Lebwohl]

Not having met him, myself, I cannot rule out the possibility that Hubbard's quasi-religion was a big joke that took on a life of its own. In fact, despite generally adhering to a particular theology I am of the opinion that all theologies and philosophies should be taken with a grain of salt. There isn't a single one which accurately and adequately answers all of life's questions and none of them have all the answers despite claims to the contrary. By the same token, it doesn't hurt anyone to believe in a religion (as long as the religion/philosophy does not include harming yourself or others as one of its tenets) so the people who like to trash-talk religious or deeply spiritual people need to calm down and quit worrying so much about what other people believe.

[peter]

It would be ill-mannered to question you about the 'particular theology' that you follow Hashi [though knowing something of your nature from your posts here on the Watch, I won't pretend I'm not intrigued as to what set of beleifs could satisfy your highly analytical mind] - but yes, I couldn't agree more about both any given faith's failure to answer all the questions and the need to leave people to their own beliefs without let or hindrence.

[Hashi Lebwohl]

I am definitely Christian but unlike 99% of my fellow churchgoers for me it is more a philosophy than a theology. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"? That is sound advice and an excellent way to conduct your life. "Don't commit murder, don't steal other people's belongings and do not wish to make their belongings yours, don't be a liar, and don't violate your marital vows"? Also sound pieces of advice that more people should follow.

The rest of it....well, I would hate to turn this into the Close but I could go on about how earlier myths were incorporated into what became Christian theology. That discussion is for elsewhere.

[peter]

Yes - It always seem'd to me that the actual teaching's of Christ should be far more significant than the 'miracles' - surely this is what He would have wanted, and yet I have met a significant number of Christians who struggle to answer when you question them on this point.