Venice Film Festival: Hollywood shines a light on Scientology – Telegraph.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s new movie “The Master”, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival tells the story of the early days of Scientology.

It has been revealed that Tom Crusie requested a private viewing of the movie before the premiere. Anderson would not disclose what Tom Cruise thought of the movie, saying only, “we are still friends”.

Tom Cruise is Scientology’s most famous follower. The movement has been called Hollywood’s cult with celebrities like John Travolta and Lisa Marie Presley also members.

The movie The Master is tipped as a potential winner of the Golden Lion, the Venice Festival’s most prestigious award.

Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s. Hubbard also came up with the idea of “Project Celebrity” to promote his ideas. He targeted the big names of Hollywood at the time: Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes and Orson Welles. Hubbard was unsuccesful at gaining their support, unlike modern day Hollywood.

Scientology are also planning on launching a broadcasting service from near their Hollywood headquarters, to promote the teachings of Scientology to a global audience.