Boogie Nights

Review #103
New Line, 1997
Mov No. 34763
Genre: Drama
Rated: R
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Staring: Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore
Oscars: 3 nominations (Supporting Actor (Burt Reynolds), supporting actress (Julianne Moore), original screenplay)
AFI 100 years, 100 _____ tributes: None
Runtime: 2h 32min
Best Quote: "My wife has a stranger's cock in her ass on the driveway, alright? I'm sorry if my thoughts are not on the photography of the film we're shooting tomorrow." - Little Bill

Eddie changes his name to Dirk Diggler and fast becomes the new porno star, winning many adult film awards in the process. However, with fame comes great responsability, and Dirk soon feels the "dark side" calling to him.

Reed Rothchild (John C. Reily), is like Eddie's best friend, and is with him through most of his ups and downs. But as Dirk takes the path of drugs, stealing, shootings and more drugs, his life starts to slide with it. Can Dirk pull himself together before he finally bites the dust?

Personal Comments

The porno theme of Boogie Nights is only just that... a theme. Yes, there are several very suggestive scenes, but that only adds to the theme of the movie.

I loved the supporting cast of the film, including William H. Macy, Julianne Moore and Heather Graham, and of course Burt Reynolds. They were all terriffic, and I don't know why Burt hated this role role so much, but I thought he was outstanding. Both Julianne Moore and Burt Reynolds deserved the Oscar nominations they each received.

I first heard the song "The Touch" by Stan Bush in Transformers: The Movie. I recently heard the same song but a different version, and I found out that it came from Boogie Nights. I didn't know what the film was about, so I bought the DVD and I love it! I can't explain why. I just do. It is one of my top ten favorite fillms (so is Transformers: The Movie) and you can check out my favorite films here. The score and soundtrack of Boggie Nights was well done. No, I mean really well done. Each song is placed perfectly, and the score resembles that of any porno movie. Even if you've never seen a porno movie (which you shouldn't because they are mostly trash anyway), you will recognize the sound immediatly.

Plot:
The rise and fall of Dirk Diggler in the porno world. Great stuff. Excellent supporting cast.

Visual Effects:
Did you notice the 3 ½ minute opening camera shot? Three seconds longer than Citizen Kane's, it is a masterpiece of cinematography that showcases the cinematography for the rest of the film.

Sound:
The all-star soundtrack is enhanced by the inclusion of the song "The Touch" from Transformers: The Movie.

Character Development:

Atmosphere:
If the opening camera shot (which more or less introduces all of the cast) doesn't grab you, then you are out of luck. That fact that this is a psuedo porn movie may turn many off as well, but the theme of the film should be a moot point.

Realism:
Supposedly based on the life of a real porn star. Unknown if this is true or not.

Warren's Rating:

FINAL RATING

Is the movie worth your time to watch?

09-06-04