The Master: cults, manipulation and the truth in healing

Journal title IPNOSI
Author/s Antonio Piro, Luca Bidogia
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2025/2
Language Italian Pages 10 P. 63-72 File size 80 KB
DOI 10.3280/IPN2025-002006
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In The Master, Paul Thomas Anderson depicts the relationship between the leader Dodd and the veteran Freddie, exploring cult dynamics with clear echoes of Scientology. Their relationship contrasts the dogmatic “Truth” of the group with the “secrets” of chaotic human nature. Dodd, a divided master, seems to need his disciple’s imperfection to integrate his own humanity. Without offering answers or judgments, Anderson leaves the viewer in a state of uncertainty, raising questions about the human need for a guide and the true nature of freedom.

Keywords: therapeutic relationship, dogmatism, totalitarianism, freedom, past lives.

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Antonio Piro, Luca Bidogia, The Master: sette, manipolazioni e verità nella cura in "IPNOSI" 2/2025, pp 63-72, DOI: 10.3280/IPN2025-002006