The press and publicity tour for a movie can be a grind for anybody, as actors and directors must remain fresh and upbeat, even as they must answer the same, usually mundane questions from every outlet on the planet. But again, talent are usually more than champs and good sports, and are gracious and patient even if it means answering "How did you get involved with this project" for the 29th time. But sometimes, enough is enough.
Ever since the film made its official premiere at the Venice Film Festival (after some sneak screenings in the United States), Paul Thomas Anderson has gamely done the rounds for "The Master," where the repeated question in almost every interview has been whether or not actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise has seen the movie (which he was already reported to have watched in the spring) and what his reaction was. Anderson has been gentlemanly about keeping Cruise's comments private, but his tolerance reached a boil with Angela Davis on Network 10 in Australia.
And while some might perceive Anderson as perhaps flying a bit too easily off the handle, one would think that a basic bit of research would reveal that the question is a dead end for the director and it's probably best to delve into other subjects. And really, by this point the Scientology "narrative" of "The Master" has been talked into the ground, and the movie tackles much broader themes outside of its cult setting as any glance of reviews would reveal. Anyway, judge for youself below and check out a new international poster for the film as well via IMPA.