With Paul Thomas Anderson‘s “The Master” heading full-steam into its official premiere at Venice (though it has already screened “unfinished” in a handful of cities), the one overriding message from everyone involved thus far is: it’s not about Scientology. And indeed, our own review said that “while those looking for a scathing indictment of any well-publicized religion are certain to find similarities, in some cases even direct parallels, Anderson never creates an atmosphere of outright derision.” And it’s that statement Amy Adams was presumably trying to get across in her appearance on “Late Night With David Letterman” last night, before she was interrupted numerous times by the host who couldn’t help himself by mentioning Scientology numerous times.
At any rate, the clip presented on the show will certainly keep comparisons to L. Ron Hubbard‘s religion going. In it, we see Mary Sue Dodd (Adams) warn her husband Lancaster (Philip Seymour Hoffman), that they must use attack as a defense mechanism against those who are criticizing The Cause. It’s certainly the kind of tactic the lawsuit-happy Scientology organization tends to take (please don’t sue us).
Take a look at both the clip and part of Adams chat with Letterman below. “The Master” will audit you on September 14th. [Cigarettes & Red Vines]
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