Recent Reviews for Boogie Nights
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MCT:October 9, 2008i think the review from john hartl from film.com particularly sums it up:
"anderson simply doesn't allow for dull moments, and his gifts for irony and showmanship are clearly appreciated by a collection of actors who have rarely been better." -
MCT:October 5, 2008Good editing, smart directing, and a storyline that shows both the good side and bad side of the porno industry. I enjoyed it overall, although the downer moments are really dragged out.
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MCT:September 27, 2008Sometimes it's really funny. Geez, all the stars are here: Mark Wahlberg, Don Cheadle, Phillip Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Heather Graham, etc...
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MCT:September 21, 2008
The most original film I have ever seen. Superb ensemble cast. Extremely funny and extremely touching and provocative. I remember leaving the theater just blown away by the performaces especially Julianne Moore.
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MCT:September 17, 2008
One of my favorites, a dark epic comedy/drama has an ensemble of knockout performances, fantastic cinematography and a great vibe. Dirk Diggler's karate moves make me laugh everytime, as does the intro to Brock Landers. The tension filled drug deal scene with Alfred Molina and "Jesse's Girl" playing on his mix tape remains my favorite. A sleazy and gritty, yet touching and emotional masterpiece.
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MCT:September 16, 2008A dark comedy...a trip into memory lane first the 70's then the 80's, with all the fashions and music of the time :-) And then a plot that just give you lots of different moods, direction, and the many different fates for each of the characters.
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MCT:September 8, 2008
Dirk: You know, I'm gonna be a great big bright, shining star.
P.T. Anderson's second movie, a large epic ensemble film about many characters all connected by the Adult Film Industry. Mark Wahlberg stars as Eddie/Dirk Diggler who is a very simple boy (with a large...gift) taken over by the famous person he becomes. Burt Reynolds and Julianne Moore also star as the people who take him in, an adult film director and his star wife. Why this movie is amazing is because of the dream team of supporting actors involved, including:
John C. Reilly as a fellow porn star.
Reed Rothchild: Have you seen that Star Wars movie?
Eddie Adams: Yeah, I've seen it four times.
Reed Rothchild: You know, people tell me I kind of look like Han Solo.
Heather Graham as porn actress Rollergirl.
Dirk: Aren't you gonna take your skates off?
Rollergirl: I never take my skates off.
Don Cheadle as a look obsessed, former adult actor.
Buck Swope: You're not being fair. This isn't fair.
Bank Worker: This financial institution cannot endorse pornography.
Buck Swope: Stop saying pornography. Why are you doing this to me? I am an actor. I am an actor.
Luis Guzman as a club owner who wants to be in the business.
Maurice: I'm the ultimate Latin Lover. There ain't no Latin Lover like me.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman as an awkward guy who helps on some of the films.
Scotty J: Yeah Dirk, I wanted to wait and see if you liked it, and if you didn't I would've...taken it back.
William H. Macy as the assistant director.
Little Bill: My wife has an ass in her cock in the drive way, all right? I'm sorry if my thoughts are not on the photography of the film we're shooting tomorrow.
Thomas Jane as a coke head and night club stripper.
Todd Parker: He's got coke and hes got cash in that safe and if we leave here without it we're fuckin' idiots! We came here to do something and we can fucking do it, allright? Are you with me?
Reed Rothchild: Todd, listen to me we can just split right now!
Todd Parker: That's what we goddamn came here to motherfuckin' do, and thats what I'm gonna fuckin' do right fuckin' now!
Philip Baker Hall as a producer knowing that videotape is on the rise.
Floyd Gondolli: I like simple pleasures, like butter in my ass, lollipops in my mouth. That's just me. That's just something that I enjoy.
and Alfred Molina as a crazy drug dealer.
Rahad Jackson: Oh, that's Cosmo...he's Chinese.
The great thing about having all these characters and scenes is that it is made with long Steadicam shots that just work throughout the movie, making it seem all very natural, going from one conversation to another in the same shot, it all works so well. And when there isn't a Steadicam shot, PT Anderson moves the camera at a frantic pace, very similar to the style of Scorsese. (all of PT Anderson's films seem to be evoking a different director).
The soundtrack is also wonderful, providing a perfect background throughout the entire movie, and working with the 70s and early 80s vibe that the film is set in.
This film is top notch. It has a cast all on top of their game and its very well made. A very easy movie to sit back, relax and enjoy to watch, despite all of the sex, drugs, violence, drama and slight sleaziness of the industry.
Dirk: What can you expect when you're on top? You know? It's like Napoleon. When he was the king, you know, people were just constantly trying to conquer him, you know, in the Roman Empire. So, it's history repeating itself all over again. -
MCT:August 29, 2008
I was surprised by how intense some parts got, it made the movie that much better. A lot of good things about this movie, well worth watching.
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MCT:August 27, 2008one of the FUNNEST movies I've ever seen...definitely one of my personal favorites. PTA is amazing.
Just had a kickass dinner and a movie night with this badboy - recommended for those who have already seen the film - but when you invite over people that haven't seen it...CONFUSION SETS IN!
It's still bad ass - it blends moments of shear comic genius with heartbreaking depression - really a twisted cocktail of a film. But a damn damn good one - love this movie, love Marky Mark and PSH...and Burt Reynolds is immaculate. Baller! -
MCT:August 24, 2008
Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson's study of the adult film industry tries for a definitive analysis of the 1970s, as experienced by those working at a decidedly fringe occupation. But Anderson's players often are stronger than the words and actions he has given them. Mark Wahlberg is excellent as a young stud delighted with the opportunity to exploit his one natural gift who subsequently becomes intoxicated by success, drugs, and grandlose ambitions. Julianne Moore is equally fine as the "veteran actress" in this porn stable, and Burt Reynolds delivers his best work in years as the father-figure director-producer.
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MCT:August 24, 2008
I've put off seeing this film for awhile. The concept of a comedic film about the porn industry, even with one of the better ensemble casts of the past decade, seems underwhelming and disgusting - think "Orgazmo". This, however, is remarkably touching and not pornographic in the slightest. In fact, when the film DOES get raunchy, it's meant to be disturbing. Take, for instance, the scene where Rollergirl's ex-classmate aggressively has sex with her in the limousine. This is one of the only scenes in the movie where a character is enjoying sex for himself and not trying treating sex as business - and it's disturbing and hard to watch. We understand in scenes like this that this isn't a dirty and pornographic movie, it's a movie about a dying business.
In the late 1970's, porn directors set out to add art to adult films. Jack Horner's (Burt Reynolds) dream is to make an adult film that'll captivate the viewer to the point where he sits and finishes the film long after he's satisfied himself. Jack meets Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), a 17-year-old waiter at a San Fernando Valley night club, and recruits him to the adult industry. Soon after this, the young waiter is no longer Eddie Adams - he's Dirk Diggler, a porn star.
The supporting cast of characters is vast and colorful. Perhaps one of the more memorable characters is Amber Waves (Julianne Moore), a porn star who has lost custody of her son because of her lifestyle. She takes Dirk/Eddie under her wing as a mother figure. One of the most touching scenes in the film is actually the first time we see Dirk filming a sex scene - she's nurturing and loving towards him while they're filming. It's not embarrassing or uncomfortable for the viewer to watch at all - such controversial material is made completely touching. The rest of the cast, with top notch performances by John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Don Cheadle, and more, are just absolutely perfect. While a lot of these characters are clearly secondary, we're begging to see more of them. This is a three hour film, however I don't think many people would object to watching another hour or two to see the rest of these characters interact a little bit more.
The most crucial scene in the movie is the transition from 1979 to 1980 and Little Bill's (William H. Macy) jealous rampage. The first half of the film is loving, fun, and enjoyable - and after that point things get violent and increasingly desperate and dark. This is because of the advent of the VHS tapes and the new cheaper and faster ways of putting out adult video. In the new porn industry, artistic integrity and flare is lost. The contrasts of the evolution of the porn industry over that decade is incredibly powerful and something i've never seen done in this way before.
P.T. Anderson is a director who likes to push the envelop and always sets to bite off seemingly more than he can chew. These characters are all complex and we're introduced to so many of them. However, rather than overcomplicating the film's overall message with so much content, he's able to fully get across the themes of the film in an understandable and real way. This is why he's a great director - as sophisticated and well-constructed as his films are, anybody can take away things from his film. The last shot of the film, a penis in the mirror, serves as an image of the completely dehumanizing experience we've seen the characters go through. It's about these porn stars being set out into the real world and completely failing - rejected by their ever-evolving industry. This film isn't limited to porn, it's message applies to any line of work and is still relevant 11 years after the film was released.
I love Anderson's trademark tracking shots in all of his films. They seemed to be the most complex in this one - with cameras swooping between characters and bringing us right into the action. It just works so well and really gives the actors the chance to show what they can do rather than being victims of numerous unnecessary cuts. There's also some scenes in this film that could be declared some of the best and most memorable in the history of film - the montage of each character's lowest points (climaxing with Buck Swope in the donut shop), the drug deal gone awry with the nervewrecking fireworks, etcetera. This is just incredible filmmaking.
There are few elements to the film that fall short, and there are even less moments when it's boring. This is a near perfect film and an absolutely captivating character study with one of the best ensemble casts you'll ever see. Drop what you're doing and watch this now. -
MCT:August 23, 2008
Although very different from Almodóvar, Anderson shares two characteristics with the Spanish master: an amazing cinematic technique and the perception to see through appearances, showing that the humanity in the soul of the outcast is there for anyone who dares to see it.
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MCT:August 17, 2008Amazing film! Boogie Nights has everything; great story, great characters, superb direction and a perfect soundtrack.
Oh man, Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle and Burt Reynolds was just PERFECT!!!!
Paul Thomas Anderson is the man a talented director. -
MCT:August 12, 2008
An excellent film, by all means. The charcacters, the story, the music. The best scene was the sex scene:
"Your amazing!"
"You feel so good Amber."
"Are you ready to cum?"
"Yeah"
"Cum in me, don't worry i'm fixed. I want you to cum in me."
Then Dirk blows his load inside of her.
Very hot scene!!!! -
MCT:August 12, 2008
Following the sudden rise but tradgic fall of teenage porn star "Dirk Diggler" Boogie Nights stands as one of the last great movies of the 90s. With crisp editing and beautiful long- take cinematography, we see a heavy Goodfellas and Raging Bull influence from Martin Scorsese. However Paul Thomas anderson sets his step in Hollywood making a rise of his own.
Genius film. Love to known the soundtrack too.
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MCT:August 8, 2008
Size isn't everything.
Each of the characters is absolutely captivating - the writing and acting is fantastic. I wish I'd had seen this sooner. -
MCT:August 4, 2008
Even with some cheap moralism, something like "the porno's life is very bad", is still funny and have a lot of funny moments.
The characters are well defined and each one put his aportation to a plot that keep you interested to the end.
The porn industry are always intense. -
MCT:August 1, 2008
I really love the dichotomy of this film, and how the entire mood, direction, and fates of the characters goes from vibrant to depressing after one pivotal event. If only his wife didn't sleep around!
Each character is so littered in flaws and weaknesses, that it really makes dragging them down in the latter half of the film all the more believable and effective. While there is nudity aplenty, this is a film about sex stars; not to be confused with a sex film.
My original rating was lower but, upon reflection, I really can't think of anything I dislike about this film. Worth going out of your way to track down, if you can handle the subject matter. -
MCT:July 25, 2008
While it gets a bit moralistic halfway, most of the characters get punished for their lyfe-style in one way or another, it manages to stay focused until the end, thanks in big part to a very solid cast. Even that Philip Seymour Hoffman's role was very annoying, and PTA is obsessed with having the characters saying dumb dialogue just because he thinks it's funny.
That said, the scene where Marky Mark tries to get coke from some goofball dealer who enjoys cheesy 80's pop songs was hillarious. -
MCT:July 25, 2008
So hysterical I can't stop watching it. An exploration of the porn industry through 3 decades. Mark Wahlberg is hilarious as Dirk and Burt Reynolds is great. Good ensemble cast and great story.
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MCT:July 23, 2008
Man this film is something else its just one of those films you can't realy explain just see it and you'll know if your going to love or hate it.
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MCT:July 21, 2008
Paul Thomas Anderson's 2nd feature is the movie that made him big. It's almost a masterpiece. It's heavily influenced by Martin Scorsese, especially in its style and construction. It's like 'GoodFellas' without the narration and instead of it being about gangsters, it's about the porn industry, with the rise and fall of a teenage Mark Wahlberg. Great cast, brilliant direction, and is extremely funny.
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MCT:July 20, 2008
Mark Wahlberg was excellent in the role of a porn star. The movie was an insight into their world, the highs and the lows.
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MCT:July 16, 2008
"boogie nights" is mark walhberg's breakthru into the caliber of a actors, and it might be paul thomas anderson's best work by far as well as a good enclosure among the 90s. walhberg used to be the calvin klein model for underwear so the size of his private thing has been nicely anchored before,and his "marky marky" white rapper image is highly helpful for the audience to lead into the imaginary ground of dirk diggler.
walhberg palys eddie, an astray teenager who gets one special talent, his 13 inches phallis, then he gets spoted by the porn director, john horner(burt reynolds), so he re-incarnates into the legendary stud in porn cinema, dirk diggler. but the movie centers not merely on dirk but also the people around this pornography circle, such as roller girl (heather gramham) and the maternal porn actress(julianne moore) as well as various sub-cast like philip hoffman and don cheadle..etc. you may view these people frivolously wasted as social scums, but they do sincerely deem porn flicks as a form of cinema with sincere enthusiasm.
even in the degenerated role like that, mark walhberg does emite some lovable boyish innocence in this character, for example, dirk often inquires his co-woman-star's feelings in the sex scenes, for instance, he askes julianne moore in the firse scene of their intercourse, "where you want me to shoot? are you all right?" and she also shows some affectionate encouragements back in return. there's no misogynism in its female characters, and men do show some respect of equality to women even in a seemingly rotten bussiness like porn cinema. they consider lovemaking an exhibitionistic enjoyment, and they do care about the works they've done. and also, there's some strange ethics among this group of people, burt reynold's like a proper paternal figure, in the scene he kisses moore on the shoulder then remark "i stare at the foxiest bitch in the world". vice versa, julianne moore is the maternal figure who is a gentle nuturer while joanna gleason is the opposite as dirk's judgementally harsh mother who deems him as forever loser and dirk's father is a meek quiet man without opinions. and dirk's life is like an elongated adolescence while he's eternally obsessed with oriental kung-fu, various subcultural items and flashy roadsters. but i must say, walhberg really gets the poise and the moves!
the course of american dream would be the earnest naivete of its dreamers, and even sex workers also have their american dream in spite of the outrageous notoriety they receive from drug abuse and promiscuity. "boogie nights" has the capacity of humanity and pathos for its characters, but it also bares the price these people have to pay for such self-abandoned lifestyle. they're bittersweet tales of porn industry's idealistic narcissism and its sour mistreatment from social prejudices. it's like an obscene american dream awaken in the end with corrosive disillusion while walhberg demonstrates kung-fu to his 13 inches dildo. -
MCT:July 5, 2008I soo want to watch this now.. It's starting to get on my nerves. I just GOT to see it!. My ma-ma-ma-ma boogie shoes! From what I have seen (short clips) It looks majorly funny and also serious and just WILD. And guess who's in it!? Mark Wahlberg!! double the intensity!
