3. Mixed Reviews
Upon the release of The Master, there seemed to be a consensus between critics after viewing the film. Critics that enjoyed The Master found it to be a beautifully shot, edgy, smart and engrossing film, and containing many Oscar-worthy performances. However, critics that disliked the film found it to be a beautifully shot, edgy, smart and engrossing film, and containing many Oscar-worthy performances, if not a bit confusing and... well, pointless. With the critics being put in a stalemate as to what makes this film good or bad, this leaves audiences to make up their own mind about The Master. At its heart, The Master is a film of parallel beauty and power that left audiences just as confused. A good review can help a film and a bad review can do damage. This has led to The Master being one of those rare films that can baffle even the smartest of viewer. This, of course, could hurt The Master's chances at securing Oscar gold, as the Academy only likes to bestow its coveted awards to films that are celebrated across the board.