There is a reason as to why this film is nominated in three major acting categories and not for Best Picture. There are parts that are confusing and hard to follow, but the acting is magnificent throughout.
Amy Adams, nominated this year for Best Supporting Actress, plays the scheming and intelligent wife, Peggy, of Philip Seymour Hoffman's Lancaster Dodd. Dodd is the L. Ron Hubbard-like character of the film. He essentially is the creator of a cult-like religion similar to Scientology. Of course, the filmakers deny any connection with the Church of Scientology. The main focus of the film is Freddie Quell, a vet from World War II who is sucked into the world that Dodd creates for him.
Hoffman plays Dodd in such a way that it creates an unease with the audience as to whether or not this is a legitimate exercise he has made, or if it is indeed a cult. He genuinely believes in what he is doing and that he can create a perfect human existence.
Amy Adams' portrayal of Peggy Dodd is fierce and assertive. This is a woman who thinks she is really in charge and keeps her husband in check at all times. The audience can easily feel her fire and emotion and that she believes in everything that her husband is preaching.
Joaquin Phoenix plays Quell. He plays the role of a veteran soldier going through a phase of crazed actions and probably a hint of PTSD.
This is not a film for everyone. Many people may in fact feel confused during much of the action. I like to think of myself as a movie buff who can comprehend intricate plots, but even I had trouble grasping some parts of the narrative. It cannot be denied, however, that the performances by Phoenix, Hoffman, and Adams are beyond good. They capture the essence of the character in such a way that it brings in a sense of reality. They also make it so that those watching cannot help but imagine this being the start of what is today the Church of Scientology.
Grade: B
No comments:
Post a Comment