Master Cut

So I got a little carried away with all the anticipation for The Master. I hadn't had a film boner like this since Black Swan: Joaquin Phoenix back to form, accompanied by Jonny Greenwood's ominous tones in glorious 70mm?  Yes please!  My first disappointment was missing the only opportunity to see it in large-format celluloid here in Chicago; alas, 35mm would have to do. After seeing it this weekend I was further deflated. The elements of a great film were there: staggering performances, beautifully composed period atmosphere, sequences that make you catch your breath with surprise.  And it wasn't nearly as elusive as many have suggested; it's a fairly clear portrait of the effect of cult on the psychologically vulnerable. But it had so many sequences that felt stagnant, offering little but the same as what came before, I left wishing that it had been edited with a bit less reverence for each frame shot. There's a truly great film here waiting to be pulled out of the molasses. But, admittedly, it is beautiful molasses. Illustrated poster by Duane Valentino.