In December 2009 , Anderson was working on a new project about a " charismatic intellectual " who starts a new religion in the 1950s . An associate of Anderson stated that the idea for the film had been in Anderson 's head for about 12 years . '' The Master '' was released on September 14 , 2012 by The Weinstein Company in the United States and Canada to critical acclaim . The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Freddie Quell , an alcoholic World War II veteran who meets Lancaster Dodd , played by Philip Seymour Hoffman , the leader of a religious movement known as " The Cause " . Though the film makes no reference to the movement , it has " long been widely assumed to be based on Scientology . " '' The Master '' received three nominations at the 85th Academy Awards : Joaquin Phoenix for Best Leading Actor , Philip Seymour Hoffman for Best Supporting Actor , and Amy Adams for Best Supporting Actress
85th Academy Awards
85th Academy Awards
Paul Thomas Anderson