The Master
The latest Paul Thomas Anderson epic was surely one of the most anticipated films to show here. It's impeccably shot and features two knockout performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Both men seem like great-bet nominees to me, particularly if Hoffman is campaigned as supporting actor. (It's a big, juicy role and could feasibly go either way.) Amy Adams, as always, is fantastic though she may lack a money scene, she still makes enough of an impact to have a shot at her fourth nomination. I fear the movie overall may just be too unorthodox to be a true Best Picture contender.