The Master

Set in 1950s America, The Master centers on the relationship between a charismatic leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman) known as 'The Master' who aims to spread a new religion called 'The Cause' across America and his new disciple. Joaquin Phoenix (, ) plays the young drifter who becomes the Master's right-hand man before beginning to question the group's ideals. Amy Adams stars as the religious leader's wife, Mary Sue.

The Master won the Silver Lion for the best direction at the Venice Film Festival. Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman additionally shared the male acting prize for their respective performances.

'The Cause' has been widely compared to Scientology, with Hoffman's character believed to be based on Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard (who he bears an uncanny resemblance to). Production has not been without controversy, with outspoken scientologist Tom Cruise apparently finding issue with pal Paul Thomas Anderson's on-screen questioning of the religion's integrity.

In addition to the seemingly immaculate script, cast, and score courtesy of Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, cinematographer Mihai Malaimare Jr. has shot more than half the movie on 70mm film, rounding this project off as a finely crafted sensory experience.

The Master reunites Paul Thomas Anderson and Philip Seymour Hoffman for the fifth time, following successful collaborations on films like and .

The Master is nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Joaquin Phoenix), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Amy Adams).