Boogie Nights (1997) review

“You know, I'm gonna be a great big bright, shining star.”

Paul Thomas Anderson’s second feature-film is the story of the rise and fall of a young man thrust into the adult film industry in the 1970s. 

Released in 1997, ‘Boogie Nights’ is P.T. Anderson’s vision of the excessive lifestyle enjoyed by those involved in the American pornography business from 1977 to ’84, but is first and foremost about Eddie Adams (or Dirk Diggler, his screen name) played in a breakthrough role by actor Mark Wahlberg. Diggler, a 17 year-old high school dropout living with his father and alcoholic mother, works a job in an L.A. nightclub until one night; when he is approached by famed adult film director Jack Horner (veteran actor Burt Reynolds in probably his most courageous role in years).

Horner approaches Diggler to offer him a job in the business after hearing of Diggler’s ‘gift’; his abnormally large genitalia. Soon after this offer, Diggler becomes embroiled in the lives of Horner’s close friends, family and fellow stars including his cocaine-addicted wife Amber (Julianne Moore) and the charming but troubled Rollergirl (Heather Graham), Horner’s adoptive daughter/porn starlet. The drama that unfolds over the course of the film’s runtime affects Diggler’s life in more ways than one, as the business threatens to ruin the lives of those involved through various overdoses and drug-fuelled parties.  

‘Boogie Nights’ portrays the porn industry as provocative and innovative but not without fault, producing a varied and intelligent snapshot of life in the late-70s and early 80s. The ease with which Anderson directs these scenes suggest a true understanding and community between the actors and his script with wonderfully touching character moments along with the fantastic production design. If you thought that ‘Boogie Nights’ had in fact been released in that era - you wouldn’t be so wrong. The look and feel of the suburban homes and expensive mansions adds a true sense of authenticity and immerses the audience into the groove of each scene. 

‘Boogie Nights’ produces a believable, authentic and disco mad 70s Los Angeles and together with a blistering soundtrack builds a world filled with so many unforgettable characters and memorable moments it's practically bursting at the seams.