July 1998

Boogie Nights
Reviewed by Doug Schneider
DVD Format

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Picture Quality:
Sound Quality:
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Starring Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, Heather Graham

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Theatrical Release: 1997
DVD Release: 1998
Dolby Digital 5.1
Widescreen

Without a doubt, Boogie Nights was one of my favorite movies of last year. In fact, it ranks up with my all-time favorite films. So why didn't it sweep the Oscars? Well, a group of coke-snorting, 1970s pornographers doesn’t stand much of a chance in the hearts of Academy voters when pitted against sweet Jack and Rose riding on a $200 million boat. The fact is, for the mainstream crowd Boogie Nights may be too controversial, too taboo. I doubt we'll ever see another film like it—too bad.

Boogie Nights chronicles the life of fictitious porn star Dirk Diggler (Mark Walberg) as his porn star rises, then falls in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Boogie Nights was influenced somewhat by the life of actual porn star John Holmes. Like Holmes, Dirk has an excessive growth between his legs that he shyly refers to as his "one special thing" (we're assured everyone has at least one special thing—although for most it's not that). Dirk is brought into the porn world at the tender age of 17 because of his, uh, talent...or at least the potential of it.

Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson (not to be confused with former porn actor and current porn director Paul Thomas) introduces a multitude of characters including a roller-skating porn princess simply named Roller Girl who does not take her skates off for anything—ANYTHING! She’s wonderfully played by Heather Graham, and I can imagine most guys wouldn't object to the skates, although I was thinking that ‘70s shag carpet must have caused her some trouble. Walberg IS Dirk Diggler (except for the plastic prosthetic used at the end of the film, 1997's best special effect). His acting is wonderul and he fully deserved his Oscar nomination. Burt Reynolds is ideal as the aging director and father-figure who still sees himself as a filmmaker when the world is turning to video. Julianne Moore should have been awarded the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Her portrayal of Amber Waves, a woman who loses her own child and ends up as the mother for this porn family, is tragic and riveting. William H. Macy is a hoot as Little Bill, and having real-life porn star Nina Hartley play his wife is a nice touch. What's refreshing about Boogie Nights is that the movie doesn’t portray these characters as losers—although a few surely are. Instead, it shows them as people, and as a result we understand why they may choose such a life.

While Boogie Nights was praised by some, it was criticized by others for portions that seem lifted out of other films. Anderson admits in the director's commentary section of the DVD that other films and directors inspired many of the scenes—and he names them too. The sweeping camera work breathes of Scorcese. The run around the party and dip in the pool is I Am Cuba. The ending scene, with Walberg speaking in the mirror, wonderfully mimics Raging Bull. Some call it ripping off, while others would call it homage. Anderson is a young director and has obviously been inspired by many current directors. Weren't they inspired in their day? Perhaps some don't remember.

What separates Anderson is the ease and feel with which he directs. This isn't his first film (the excellent Hard Eight with Gwyneth Paltrow is), but still it's amazing that a person this young (he's in his late 20s) can create such a piece of work with this level of quality, scope, feeling and cohesiveness. The camera work in Boogie Nights is awesome, and the blending of music and film is some of the best ever done. The editing is flawless and thoroughly inspired. Watch the beautiful cuts on DVD track 19 when Floyd Gondolli comes through the door while the song "Driver’s Seat" announces his entrance. The long, flowing sequences such as the opening disco shot and the pool party are a joy to watch over and over again. The famous firecracker scene to "Jessie's Girl" is perfectly timed and is surely one of the most riveting sequences since the Russian roulette scene in The Deer Hunter.

The DVD is grade-A, home-ownership material. The picture transfer is superb and can be used as a reference—bright, detailed, and flawless. The sound is good, although I was a little annoyed at the hollowness that is apparent, particularly on the vocals of some songs—it sounds like they were mixed a notch too hot. No matter, there is a definite bonus when it comes to the DVD extras. There is full director commentary throughout the film that Anderson laces with peppered language that sounds as if he's conversing with his closest friends over a flat of beer (response to this commentary has been mixed). A section is included with nine scenes deleted from the film for various reasons, both with and without commentary. (Roller Girl fans rejoice!) And special notations of music tracks are made so you can watch the coolest parts of the movie to your favorite songs. This is a great DVD that I would have gladly paid double for.

Was Boogie Nights the best film of 1997? You better believe it (Titanic should have been second and L.A. Confidential third). No, it's not perfect, and it has a few scenes near the end that could have been reduced or left out because they didn't add much, but that is nit-picking. Is it a film for everyone? Definitely not. Some are sure to be offended not only by the subject matter, but also by the frankness with which it is depicted on screen. Boogie Nights was originally conceived with an NC-17 rating in mind—nearly the same territory as the content it depicts. Don't rent it if sex, violence and drug addiction aren't your type of fish to fry. For others, it's a landmark film that no one thought Hollywood could make.

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