In case you missed it, this weekend we dove deep into the breathtaking full trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master," investigating the spot from all angles in what is easily one of our most anticipated films of the year. Now the question is: where will it premiere? While the Venice Film Festival has seemingly been the leading contender thus far, some recent activity in Austin suggets that Anderson may choose to return to a festival that has already served him well.
Recently, a Jonny Greenwood fan Tumblr page posted a photo of the Radiohead guitarist and composer for "The Master" hanging outside the Alamo Drafthouse with Anderson, apparently there "to discuss how to best present the film" at the theater. Tim League, the founder of the cinema and festival, is pictured hanging with pair as well. PTA fansite Cigarettes & Red Vines speculated on Twitter that it could mean a premiere at Fantastic Fest (which runs from September 20-27)…or something else entirely. And it should also be noted the film is pretty much completed, with producer Megan Ellison tweeting last night: "Paul Thomas Anderson and The Master have changed my life in such a deeply profound way forever that all I can really say is, thank you."
PTA at Fantastic Fest certainly wouldn't be anything new, as he premiered "There Will Be Blood" there back in 2007, skipping every other major festival. That said, "The Master" could play Fantastic Fest…as well as Venice or Telluride or TIFF, and given how much The Weinstein Company relies on working the circuit for their awards season contenders, we would be a little surprised if they skipped a major festival red carpet unveiling for a small scale fest just weeks before the film's release. But either way, it does seem that the movie will stop in Austin one way or another.
With both Venice and TIFF starting to unveil their lineups, we'll know more soon, but if you haven't planned on attending on Fantastic Fest, now might be the time to book at ticket. "The Master" opens on October 12th.