I recently
bumped this film up a notch after a second
recent viewing. I'm a definite PT Anderson fan,
but this film didn't really connect with me the
first time. I respected it, but didn't connect.
The second time around, this film bumps its way
into my Top 100 and gains whole new respect from
me. This film, generally, follows one young
man's adventures in the porn industry of the
70's and 80's, however, in what is typical
Anderson style you end up with multiple layers,
storylines and features within this film. It
works marvelously thanks to extraordinary
camerawork and a marvelous script and direction
by Anderson. Strong performances are offered by
Mark Wahlberg, as Dirk Diggler, Burt Reynolds,
Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Heather Graham
and many others. The film was nominated for 3
Oscars, including Moore, Reynolds and Anderson
for his script. The film also features
appearances by Anderson regulars such as Phillip
Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzman. Anderson flicks
are not for everyone...he makes unique directing
choices and tackles unpopular
subjects...sometimes, he can seem downright
odd...but, time and time again, I find myself
watching his films and going "wow."
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
One of the
ten best films of the decade, "Boogie Nights" is
more about family and loyalty than one would
assume based on the premise. Paul Thomas
Anderson is a genius writer and director and
crafts one of the all time greats here. I
love virtually everything about this film... a
virtual Shakespearean tragedy and tale of
forgiveness set in the bizarre world of 70's
porn. This is a must-see film for all
cineastes.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
