Philip Seymour Hoffman and 'The Master' Draws Praise From Critics

A movie loosely based on the founder of Scientology is breaking records and racking up awards as word spreads about a film the critics are calling one of the best films of the year.

"The Master," by Paul Thomas Anderson, has already grabbed the attention of eager film enthusiasts, breaking records and leaving viewers amazed even though it has only been shown in a few cities on a limited release basis.

The Weinstein Co. produced movie earned $729,745 even though it was only shown in five theaters in New York and Los Angeles. The per-screen average for the film set a new record by bringing in $145,949 per showing, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

The film has been widely anticipated and was received in just fashion by winning several of the top awards at the Venice Film Festival. The film captured best picture and Anderson won best director.

The film stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman, whose character is loosely based on Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Joaquin Phoenix plays a wayward World War II veteran who is taken in by Hoffman.

The film has been surrounded by controversy, with some thinking the film would go too far in portraying the man responsible for creating a cult that is largely cloaked in mystery.

The winning performance at the Venice Film Festival guaranteed that more eyes would view the film. As the popularity of "The Master" grows, it is quickly becoming clear that the movie is less about a particular faith, and more about an introverted view of the human condition.

The film is seen as "a captivating and at times confounding film about two disturbed souls and the dark corners of human nature," according to The Los Angeles Times.

New York Times critic A.O. Scott added that Hoffman "presents an integrated, highly nuanced, supremely methodical self to the camera."