Boogie Nights Analysis

The establishing shot of the drug dealer's house, illuminated by blue and red lights like a police vehicle that signals danger, sets the seen for the audience without revealing too much about what is inside the madhouse. As the bright red, slightly battered, Corvette Stingray approaches, filled with our 3 characters, the only sounds that can be heard are the engine and various words from Todd, signalling that there was a conversation taking place that is then ended by the arrival at the dealer's house. Reed and Dirk are breathing heavily as they respond to Todd's question, still in the silent environment. Camera tracks Todd upward as he gets out of the vehicle.

As the characters enter the house of the drug dealer, faint music can be heard but the audience don't know what to expect. We are greeted with a wide shot of the whole room presenting Rahad the drug dealer and also showing Cosmo, the small boy which is immediately disturbing, lighting firecrackers which isn't really referenced in this scene as to why. Rahad is pictured wearing just a robe, which adds to the weirdness of Cosmo being there. The bodyguard who let the 3 characters in moves off screen. Dirk (Eddie) and Reed are shown standing awkwardly in a two shot which singles them out straight away as not being comfortable. Todd is much more relaxed as this is his plan, he thinks that he has thought this through so he is not worried at all. Todd calls to Rahad, lets him know who he is and jogs over to him to greet him. The camera then positions in a way that we can see all just the 4 main characters, the high angle gives a perspective on the drug dealer who is the only person who has a visible face in this shot.

The closeup of Todd giggling like a drugged up clown is a little unnerving for the audience, they have no idea what is going on and the high angle that the camera is positioned at gives it a strange feel. The shot of Rahad also giggling suggests a connection between the two of them, Todd and Rahad.