Scott, just appreciating your self-disclosure. I myself was briefly involved in the Hare Krishna's out of loyalty to a now deceased boyfriend. Having read the script for the Master someone posted online, and seeing it kept more of the specifically scientologoy stuff, I wonder if the reason bewilderment is a frequent response is due to the material edited out. That said the relationship between master and disciple is the meat of the film and the part I most responded to.

This was the movie I was waiting for a long time, and when I saw it, I was not disappointed at all. I think this movie paints a true picture of journey everyone goes through in their life at some point, figuring out what they believe and what they do not. The way I see it structure wise this movie was about the relationship of two men. So, the characters remains the same but we see the metamorphosis of their relationship. As a writer/director my self, I think "the Master" is really well made, well acted and well filmed motion picture. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the few directors who somehow know how to get people to give money to get his movies made :D

My favorite analysis of THE MASTER so far, well worth the read: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dochollywood/2012/09/unlocking-the-master-plan/

Jacob, that's a really fascinating review. Thanks for posting. I'm working through a slightly different take, but clearly as the review you linked to points out, Freddie and Dodd are inextricably bound together. They are two parts of a whole... that never becomes a whole. More tomorrow.

I thought you'd like it :) With your shared backgrounds in both theology and film, you and Craig have plenty in common. Looking forward to the rest of your thoughts on THE MASTER.