The Master

                "The Master" tells the complex story of Freddie Quell, a World War II veteran, who is adjusting to his new post-war freedom. Soon after his release, he is introduced to Lancaster Dodd, the "master" of a philosophical movement known as "The Cause" and invites Freddie to be a part of his movement. Freddie quickly takes a liking to "The Cause" and begins traveling with Dodd to spread their teachings. Along the way, Dodd attempts to diminish Freddie's violent and erratic behavior as well as put a stop to his excessive alcoholism. With slow improvement, other members of "The Cause" begin to worry about Freddie's behavior, but Dodd insists that Freddie is an important part of the movement. Eventually he passes the tests, but later decides to leave "The Cause". While sleeping in a movie theater, Freddie has a vision of Dodd mysteriously calling him on the movie theater telephone to inform him that he is now living in and teaching his work in England and that Freddie must travel and join a part of the movement once again. He therefore decides to make the long travel to reunite with Dodd. Upon arriving at Dodd's school, Dodd realizes that Freddie must venture out to the world and take his own path. He gives Freddie the ultimatum to either stay with "The Cause" and devote himself to it for the rest of his life or leave and never come back, and Freddie decides to leave. After leaving, the film seems to come full circle when Freddie meets a woman and begins to recite the same questioning technique Dodd had used on him during their first movement session. As far as the meaning of it all, for me it is hard to pinpoint. However, I do believe the film is an excellent representation of the intense struggles of a World War II veteran. Jauquin Phonenix was excellent in the portrayal of such a character, tapping into a dark and very psychologically damaged character that was extremely moving. If I were to interpret the overall meaning at my best assumption, I would say that this film is about the need to believe in and follow something, anything. After leaving the military where his whole life was structured, the new freedom caused an anger and a detachment from what Freddie was supposed to do with his life. Upon finding a new structure in "The Cause" he was able to find hope and happiness in something again, whether it actually was real or not.