THE MASTER

RYAN: This is the new movie from writer, director Paul Thomas Anderson who did There Will Be Blood, Magnolia, Boogie Nights… He’s prolific.

CAROLINE: Quite and a darling of the academy at this point.  How was it?

RYAN: Very good.  Expectations were super high because of the prestige he brings but also because we’re so fascinated by the whole Scientology controversy swirling around this film.

CAROLINE: Yeah so tackle that.  In your opinion, is it about Scientology?

RYAN: Well Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character seems to be writing about and practicing similar techniques as what I know to be true of Scientology.  But interestingly, the movie is not all about that.  It’s really more about Joaquin’s character, his story.

CAROLINE: Ah ok.  And how is he?  He’s getting some pretty big buzz.

RYAN: He is really outstanding.  I’m not the biggest fan of his as a person.  Especially since that crazy faux documentary stunt he pulled with I’m Still Here. But there’s just no arguing with his performance in this film.  He’s brilliant.

CAROLINE: Ok that’s fair.  How were Phil and Amy?

RYAN: Fantastic.  Phil’s as good as ever and Amy is pretty chilling in this role.  It’s a real departure from the roles I mostly lover her in, aka Enchanted.

CAROLINE: They’re both super competent actors.  Do you think she’ll score another Oscar nom for this one?

RYAN: I think Phil would before her but really this film’s all about Joaquin’s perf.  He’s a cut above.

CAROLINE: How does this compare to PT’s other movies?

RYAN: There’s something about the way he does a period piece.  Many films get it right when it comes to hair, makeup, costumes, sets, cars, etc… and he does all of that.  But there’s an artistry to the colorization of the film and it really feels set in 1949.  I don’t know how he does it.

CAROLINE: I remember how intense There Will Be Blood was.  He certainly knows how to work with a leading man in an explosive scene.

RYAN: And then some!  Every shot in this film is so deliberate and gorgeous.  And the score so incredibly punctuates the cinematography.  Some moments are breathtaking.

CAROLINE: I don’t doubt it.

RYAN: This movie is relatively slow moving but deliberate; there’s so much meaning in every shot which really enhances each scene.

CAROLINE: So it’s for more mature audiences?

RYAN: In the sense that you need to have some patience with this film, yes.

CAROLINE: But if you’re a real movie lover it sounds good.  How long is it?  For a slow moving film, length can be lethal.

RYAN: This is about two hours and fifteen minutes so it’s long but I was still involved the whole time.  Still you’ll want to visit the restroom ahead of time just in case.

CAROLINE: [laughs’ That’s always sage advice.

RYAN: Because I love this director and these actors are at the top of their game, because I’m always harping on how much more enjoyable the Oscars are when you’ve seen the nominated films, I recommend this one.  Some may think it drags a bit but it’s a real movie lover’s movie.