THE MASTER: Sails past everything this year!

Ladies and Gentleman it is my pleasure to announce that the film of the year in 2012 is without question "The Master."  The films opening over head shot of  choppy water from behind a vessel accompanied by Jonny Greenwood's music sets the tone of an amazing film.  Director Paul Thomas Anderson has not missed a beat since "There Will Be Blood."  The film is in many ways a companion piece to that film.  Oil and religion is simply repaced by sailing and the occult.  The scene where Phoenix and Hoffman first meet below deck is one of the best scenes I have seen in movies in years.  The film is so superb that it is the type of movie that makes up for all the bad movies you may have seen in the last year.  I am truly baffled at explaining at what makes the movie markedly superior.  I will try.  The main character played by Phoenix is difficult to explain.   He is tormented, shell shocked, reckless, crazy, genius, erratic, but above all sensitive.  The sensitivity is what makes Freddie Quell three dimensional.  Lancaster Dodd played by Hoffman is a man who is completely sure of himself.  The chemistry between the two is like father and son, long lost brother, veteran, mentor, and teacher.  Amy Adams is the neck that turns Dodd.  She is flawless at being a 1950's mother with unbelievable power and icy determination.  In some ways she is the leader of "The Cause."  She influences the writing of Dodd and is the backbone of the movement.  She dismisses Quell early on and is one tough character.  Phoenix, Hoffman, and Adams all are picture perfect in this cinematic gem.  The cinematography in the 70mm print is unprecedented.  The grid illustrated from all the close ups on characters faces and not focusing on the background is amazing.  Close ups of heads of lettuce and reapers in Salinas are exquisite.  Paul Thomas Anderson has raised the flagpole of cinematic greatness and achievement.  While sadly others are turning to television, recycling old ideas, or having gargangtuan problems with distribution, or simply they just sailed into the sunset.  Watch it go cinephiles!   Watch it go!