The Mastermind

Surprised myself by giving this a relatively high rating but, having endured 'After the Hunt' the day before, I found this film full of interest and subtlety.

Yes- there are extended scenes during which I felt perplexed as to their detail and longevity and yet I remained focussed and intrigued.

No- I didn't 'get' the anti-war connections or some of the relationships and yet this did not deter me from wanting to continue.

Yes- some left and missed the irony - I think- of the ending. I'd like to see it again to consolidate my thoughts.

An oddity but well worth an open-minded viewing!

I watched this movie in a sneak preview, so I knew nothing about it and wanted to be surprised. Over all I got the feeling this movie (showing the end of the sixties I guess) promotes old cars and busses from that time, has the speed of 60 years ago, has a very confusing script and mostly shows how to give a definition of a looser. On top of that the jazz music does not work at all with the images and the story telling. So, I was surprised but in a bad way!

The Mastermind is a cinematic experience I was compelled tc review purely out of frustration. I gave it a low 3 stars, with those ooints being awarded only because the unintentionally quirky pehavior of the actors made me laugh in a few places. If you finc humor in simpleton behavior in a serious context, you might get a chuckle, but don't mistake this for a comedy-it clearly isn" meant to be one, The film drags, relying on the predictable indie film trope of unnecessary long silences and a repetitive, mood-killing score Every scene felt like filler, with a profound lack of character development and a story that simply refused to progress. I kept expecting a payoff that never materialized.

The ending was perhaps the most frustrating element. It wrapped up with a blunt non-conclusion, leaving gaping plot holes and zero character development, as if the entire film were merelv a prelude to a continuation that mav never come.

For a regular cinema-goer like myself, watching the apparent lack of effort put into the plot and conclusion was insulting. I don't 'ecommend seeing The Mastermind in any scenario, maybe while you're sitting in the throne.

I watched this at London Film Festival and it was really testing my patience. I do not understand what compelled its makers to do this movie? It was a bland plate of nothingness miming serving you food while all you're getting is air!

Quite a shame since I loved Josh O'Conner in Challengers and La Chaimera but this was a complete miss despite his not-so-bad American accent.

I had high hopes after the initial story line but there was no character development and the story went nowhere. I would have left 40 minutes in had my friend not been with me. I normally love independent movies and unique story lines but this movie did NOT deliver. People walked out, many complained after the movie was over. Would not recommend.