Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the true independent visionaries, who has created some memorable films and performances over the years with films like MAGNOLIA, THE MASTER and THERE WILL BE BLOOD, which gave Daniel Day-Lewis a second Academy Award for Best Actor as oil worker Daniel Plainview.
In 1997, he focused on the LA porn industry of the 1970s with Boogie Nights, a sprawling and well-intentioned drama focusing on a wannabe actor called Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg) who meets porn producer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds, SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT) and others as they make their way through a very heady experience and encompass the spirit of the times. Adams is transformed into porn star Dirk Diggler, shooting below-the-counter fare that isn’t exactly going to win the top awards, but will certainly attract the punters keen for a bit of flesh.
Yet, with success comes desire and determination – and Diggler has plans beyond the porn industry….
As much a case of laying in your bed as making it, BOOGIE NIGHTS is a dazzling and affectionate homage, backed up by a terrific song soundtrack.