Boogie Nights Movie Review 1997

Epic tale covering the rise and fall of porn star Eddie Adams (Wahlberg). The protege of director Jack Horner (Reynolds), 17-year-old Eddie jumps in a hot tub at an industry bash, christens himself Dirk Diggler, and goes on to become the toast of the adult entertainment industry. Brilliantly spanning the decadent disco-era 70s and the excess of the 80s, 27-year-old writer/director Anderson boldly delves into fresh, albeit dangerous, territory most successfully in this lengthy sophomore outing. What Tarantino did for Travolta, Anderson does here for Reynolds, who plays the past-his-prime but touchingly ambitious auteur with a dream to make a legitimately legendary skin flick. Wahlberg proves himself a serious and seriously good actor in his turn, surrounded by equally fine performances of the ensemble cast. Details such as wardrobe, bits of dialogue, and music are deftly used, avoiding parody. Nonstop disco and early 80s music, often with a message, and energetic camera work make you shake your booty.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 155 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Comedy Drama, Pornography, At the Movies, Period Piece: 1970s, Showbiz Dramas, Drug Use & Abuse, Rags to Riches, Cinderella Stories, Metamorphosis, Dance Fever

Screenplay

Paul Thomas Anderson

Cast

Michael Penn, Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, Don Cheadle, William H. Macy, Heather Graham, John C. Reilly, Luis Guzman, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Alfred Molina, Philip Baker Hall, Robert Ridgely, Joanna Gleason, Thomas Jane, Ricky Jay, Nicole Ari Parker, Melora Walters, Michael Jace, Nina Hartley, John Doe, Laurel Holloman, Robert Downey

Cinematography

Robert Elswit

Director

Paul Thomas Anderson

Music

Michael Penn

Producer

New Line Cinema

Awards

Golden Globes 1998: Support. Actor (Reynolds); L.A. Film Critics 1997: Support. Actor (Reynolds), Support. Actress (Moore); MTV Movie Awards 1998: Breakthrough Perf. (Graham); N.Y. Film Critics 1997: Support. Actor (Reynolds); Natl. Soc. Film Critics 1997: Support. Actor (Reynolds), Support. Actress (Moore).