(2012, dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, w/ Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Dern)

Like Anderson's previous films The Master is a hypnotic experience, populated with characters that are un-redeemable and complicated human beings. Joaquin Phoenix is a naval veteran and the portrait of the American post World War II drifter, his journey unfolding in a non linear way after he arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future, happening upon the cult like ‘The Cause’ and its charismatic leader. Philip Seymour Hoffman as the head of the aforementioned group is not unlike a simmering volcano, softly wooing his followers, exploding to draw them further into his beliefs. It is a brave movie, Anderson effortlessly drawing powerful performances from his company of actors, in what may be career highs from such a strong cast. Uncomfortable, ambiguous in many ways, challenging and artistically stunning (the 70mm format offers colour, depth and tones that are lost in digital capture – making for an authentic look of the period), The Master is a movie many directors and studios are just not brave enough to make anymore. AB

(2012, dir. , w/ )

Paul Thomas Anderson Q&A will start at approximately 9:43pm, and finish at approximately 10:34pm.

The Astor Theatre and Roadshow Films are proud to welcome to the stage, for a very special Q&A event, Mr Paul Thomas Anderson. The Q&A, hosted by Time Out Melbourne and Triple J Magazine's Martyn Pedler, will follow the Melbourne premiere screening of his new film, The Master, in stunning 70mm, as it was intended to be seen. Special prices, No Free List.