Many people have been waiting for the first critical reactions to Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, The Master, ever since the secret screening that was held in Santa Monica about a month ago resulted in great word of mouth from the audience who were lucky enough to see it.
With the film having officially premiered at the Venice Film Festival, the first reviews are starting to pour in and thanks to Rotten Tomatoes, we are starting to get an early consensus of how the film is being received.
To put it simply, those who viewed it in Venice were almost all blown away, giving the film a score of 9.2/10 thus far. At the time of this article, there are 11 reviews posted, ten of which are positive.
Here are just a few of the things critics have said so far:
A bold, challenging, brilliantly acted drama that is a must for serious audiences. – Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter
It makes words like ‘bold’ and ‘extraordinary’ seem utterly inadequate. – Robbie Collin, Daily Telegraph
The recurring theme in my many thoughts and conversations about one of the most remarkable film-going events of my life has been this – Paul Thomas Anderson may be the most ambitious filmmaker working today. – Brian Tallerico, HollywoodChicago.com
‘The Master’ is another tale of warped power and fanatical delusions, and it sees Anderson on captivating form as a director who is able to surprise and impress with scene after scene. – David Calhoun, Time Out
The film is not as dramatically compelling or cohesive as the 2007 Blood, but it’s provocative in ideas and supremely acted by Phoenix and Hoffman (Oscar caliber turns), reaffirming Anderson’s status as one of the boldest directors today. – Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.com
So far, there has only been one negative review to hit the site, coming from Richard Corliss of Time Magazine, who says that “The problem with The Master is that it doesn’t extend or expand Anderson’s artistic journey,” going so far as to add “There Will Be Boredom” in his headline.
It sounds like this group is mostly confirming what those at the secret screening have already said, that the film is quite impressive. This news makes me even more excited for it. Sounds like another trip to the Oscars could indeed be in Anderson’s future.
The film will also be showing at The Toronto International Film Festival this month before making its way to limited theaters on September 14th, with an expansion on September 21st.