Boogie Nights is immoral, trashy, and sinful; but the film isn't all perfect. At its core, it's a typical rise-to-fame story but told like only P.T. Anderson can. The pacing is a little slow but it is supported by an A-list cast and great characters.
Boogie Nights is an excellent movie with an original plot and all-star cast. The movie tackles complex themes like fame, addiction, and the search for belonging, all while maintaining a darkly comedic tone. The cast is phenomenal, featuring standout performances from Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, and many others. The cinematography and soundtrack are also top-notch, capturing the vibe of the era perfectly.
Probably my favorite movie ever.
After this movie, I really expected to love every movie PT Anderson would ever make, that never materialized as the rest of his movies never really touched me (no pun intended) as much as this one.
Anyway, Boogie Nights has a great story, even greater characters (played by a perfect cast) and can be really funny and so sad.
The beautiful opening shot is absolutely perfect to suck you into the movie and get you to meet all the main characters.
I agree to a certain extent with those who dubbed “Boogie Nights” as “Goodfellas” with the Golden Age of Porn instead of the mob. Yet, the tone and message are completely different. It might not be as evident on a first viewing, but “Boogie Nights” is, above anything else, a warm and tender movie about broken people seeking a family. The time capsule effect is fascinating at first but grows thin in a little over an hour. Even though I have to say it’s not nearly as slow-paced as I remembered, things indeed get a little too repetitive and a tad boring in the middle chunk. In contrast, the resolution felt a little rushed and, for some characters, only sketched out.
Was this directed by PTA or Scorsese? Those long, sweeping tracking shots, the dadrock montages, the themes about excess and the dark side of excess; most of this is a dead ringer for a Scorsese film. At first I thought some of the stuff relating to the side characters felt a little too disconnected from the main plot, but at some point you realize it all feeds the main theme of the film. Love the soundtrack, the acting is very good (probably still Mark Wahlberg’s best), so many memorable scenes, characters and lines (love some of its dark comedy) and excellent cinematography/directing. If you ask me, he was quite far ahead of Tarantino as a director at this point in his career. I do have some minor problems with the editing and tone, which can be a little sloppy at times. It’s also a little predictable, it doesn’t throw that many surprising curveballs at you. Given what PTA would go on to do, this is fairly straightforward and not nearly as complex as some of hit later work, but I still thought it was great regardless.
8/10
I actually loved this? John C Reilly and his magic, when Burt Reynolds in a physical fight just pushes him directly on the forehead, the ‘dear sister’ level gun fight ridiculousness
That was fun. I forget that they make movies like this in the 90s. I keep on watching movies without reading the synopsis and just get surprised by the nudity. lol! The plot was meh. I mean.. spoiler this is the whole plot. Rising porn star, got addicted, got clean(?) and then just went back on making porn. while the others found what they really want to do in life. I guess that's the happy ending?
Holy shit. So, i found myself in a hotel room bored one night. Not knowing what channels were associated to what network, I found myself flipping through the low 20s when i came across a particular scene. It wasn't any specific events that were occurring within the scene that were particular to me .. hell, i don't think i really had time to grasp WHAT was going on before the realization that the more i watched .. the more actors i knew, showed up on screen.
Burt Reynolds stood out right away and allowed me to identify a period of the films creation. Then Mark Wahlberg and Julianne Moore show up and i'm blown away by how young they look. Followed by John C. Reilly .. Philip Seymour Hoffman .... The list goes on, and on. 10 of them, in total.
After the confusion of not knowing what movie this is, and beginning now to see the events that were transpiring in the film, i was ever more enticed by Boogie Nights.
Eventually i wen't to Google, and was surprised to see it's a Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) film. Now, I know of PTA's films .. and i've seen a few. However, not all. The Master I've been holding onto, as everyone praises it. That leaves me having prior seen (with only one viewing each) for Magnolia, Inherent Vice and There Will Be Blood.
I have nothing to do this weekend, and thus a PTA marathon will be had. I feel i should pace myself, but i was to take in all that this wonderful director and writer has created.
....
I loved the character developments, the scene setups per camera shots (a dinner scene with people sitting at a booth and the camera moves from each individual speaking - with only them in frame - flawlessly, as if you're sitting on the other end of the dinner table with them.
Also, lets not begin with the intro scene .. I was in awe 5-8 seconds into the film.
What is the point in this film... I just don't get it.
Not as good as I remembered it but worth a watch. Not laugh out loud funny and not really a deep drama, but it's a humorous look on a time and business, with many characters on a basic journeys and with a balanced story. The movie is long enough so you stay with the characters and bond with them. There is a massive use of music. I think the performances of all the actors make this better than average.
Boogie Nights was fantastic. Beginning with an incredibly virtuosic opening oner, the interweaving storylines that follow are all interesting and well-told. It has a great ensemble cast to flesh out the engaging characters, with particularly good performances by Wahlberg and PSH, while an amazing soundtrack adds to the atmosphere of the 70s and 80s. It's incredible PTA managed to pull off a movie with such sweep with just his second feature.
Shout by Robin ReuterVIP BlockedParent2023-06-18T12:12:36Z
As a fan of intense storytelling and unforgettable performances, I highly recommend "Boogie Nights." This film brilliantly explores the rise and fall of the adult film industry in the '70s and '80s, showcasing the talent of Mark Wahlberg remarkably.
Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of Dirk Diggler is nothing short of mesmerizing. Not only does he deliver a compelling performance, but his shirtless scenes featuring his ripped physique are genuinely captivating. You won't be able to take your eyes off him!
One memorable scene involves Mark's character offering to show what he's working with for money, and I must admit, I'd pay even double if he asked.
This movie is a must-watch for its gripping storyline and impressive performances.