Reactions to the First Screening of ‘The Master’

Among film buffs, there is no 2012 film more anticipated than Paul Thomas Anderson's 'The Master.' It's been five long years since the modern master's 'There Will Be Blood' knocked us flat on our butts (and drank our milkshake) and his return couldn't have come a moment too soon...only PTA could redeem a year as disappointing as this one has been! 'The Master' had its unofficial premiere last night, a surprise showing following a repertory screening of Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' at Santa Monica’s Aero Theater. While no professional critics were in attendance, the regular folks took to Twitter afterwards to share their thoughts.

So...what did people think of 'The Master'?

@AlmostVictor: Don’t want to say more than a few words about it but it is an all around excellent film. If it were me, I’d put them both [Phoenix and Hoffman] in the Best Actor category but if one them is getting the supporting nod, its Hoffman. I’ve yet to see one bad PSH performance but this one may be his best. Will get nods for Picture. Good chance of winning original screenplay and acting awards.

‏@aaldere1: The Master was amazing. Oscars all over this one…see The Master in 70 mm. Looked gorgeous and its the way P.T Anderson wants you to see it.

@TotallySketch: Just saw “The Master”. A movie has never made me feel quite like this one did. I can’t describe it or even rate it. I am speechless.

@Super_Matts: THE MASTER is…interesting…I’ll be thinking about it for days#THEMASTER70MM J Phoenix and P S Hoffman are out of this world.

‏@michaelwhittle: PTA’s best. Not a doubt in my mind. Possibly the best film watching experience I’ve ever had. #THEMASTER70MM

@RobertMurphy3: Just saw secret screening of The Master with P.T. Anderson and Maya Rudolph in attendance. It’s about much more than Scientology.

@LoganDoe: Hoffman is one of the finest actors alive. The Master is (more) proof. #themaster

@pillowfightin: Saw The Master in 70mm at the Aero Santa Monica. Surprise screening after The Shining. Its like nothing yvever seen before.

@jessecrall: The Master: B+ hazy, meandering story with beautiful staging and headed by Phoenix’s brilliant, year’s-best performance.”

@Super_Matts: THE MASTER is…interesting…I’ll be thinking about it for days #THEMASTER70MM J Phoenix and P S Hoffman are out of this world

@DubstepElitist: duuuuuude, the master was goooooooooood

Well, it's the reactions you'd expect to a film made by the man who gave us 'Magnolia,' 'Boogie Nights' and 'Punch Drunk Love.' A lot of high praise for Anderson's shot-on-70mm work. A lot of Oscar talk for his cast (particularly Joaquin Phoenix). A lot of "I'm still thinking about it" and "I don't know what to say." Of course, a handful of movie fans don't necessarily reflect the opinions of the critic community or worldwide audiences, but this is certainly a good start. With the film set to hit theaters on September 14, expect the buzz machine to go into overdrive soon!

A tip of the hat to The Film Stage, Movie Parliament and  The Playlist for collectively compiling all of these quotes.