Finally came around here this weekend and I loved it. The core three characters are fascinating and impeccably acted. It should be no surprise that DDL knocks it out of the park with a fairly understated and engaging performance but Manville and especially Krieps are incredible. Every conversation between Alma and Reynolds is gripping, peppered with nuance, little glances, smiles, scowls to allow you to draw conclusions on where the ever changing relationship is at or headed at a particular moment. . Cyril's strong stance as the "matriarch" of sorts of the family, the only one with constant control over Reynolds, is sort of terrifying, and I loved the dynamic between Cyril and Alma. It's a surprisingly funny film, at least more humor in here than I thought there might be, but it doesn't undercut the sort of horror lurking and bubbling underneath. It's wonderfully shot and Greenwood's score is phenomenal, definitely a more "standard' type of score than his other work but plays into the often terrifying atmosphere of the film perfectly. Absolutely stands somewhere along the top third/tier of his filmography for me. Despite liking Inherent Vice, this is a real return to TWBB/The Master form. Very satisfied.
Thought the score was overbearing at times, but thought it was perfect during the wedding sequence. Incredible film, though — will be thinking about it for awhile and can’t wait for a future rewatch.
Re-watched Magnolia this weekend and it reaffirmed my love for PTA. Will check this out, hoping it will be better than the trailer let on.
God damn. The track called “Alma” is so incredible. It’s very simple, but it gets me really emotional
This was my favorite film of 2017. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to check it out again once my moviepass arrives.
"If you could go back, what’s one thing you’d tell yourself while making Magnolia?" "Chill The Fuck Out and Cut Twenty Minutes" lol
I think it's his best pre-PDL film and I think he uses the length quite well. The film just builds and builds and builds and I think cutting any of it would disrupt the overwhelming flow of the film.
It's probably my second favorite behind Boogie Nights... and I know I'm gonna get a lot of crap here, but... I did not like PDL
Fuck it, I’ll start Tier 1: Boogie Nights, TWBB, Master Tier 2: PDL, Vice, Phantom Tier 3: Magnolia Still gotta see Hard Eight
Magnolia might be weak in comparison, but the man has such a stellar career that it is a bit unfair. Magnolia is better than many directors' whole careers.
I love Magnolia, but if you listen to his interview on the WTF Podcast he goes a little bit into detail about his issues with it
1. There Will Be Blood 2. The Master 3. Punch Drunk Love 4. Junun 5. Inherent Vice 6. Boogie Nights 7. Magnolia 8. Hard Eight obvi haven't seen this yet
On different days, I would rank The Master, Punch-Drunk Love, or There Will Be Blood as his best. I put There Will Be Blood a little lower because it is so well known and acclaimed while the other two feel like more essential, personal picks. I think of the Master the most in my wandering thoughts.
I have not seen TWBB since it came out, FYI: (1) The Master (2) Phantom Thread (3) Punch-Drunk Love (4) There Will Be Blood (5) Boogie Nights (6) Inherent Vice (7) Hard Eight (8) Magnolia
I’d put The Master as one of the greatest films I’ve ever seen without any stipulations. Would kill to see it in theaters again. So weird and personal and intense while tackling many universal topics. I’ve said a bunch of times before, but the lukewarm reaction by many critics I admire still baffles me