Boogie Nights (1997)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  155 Minutes 

Rated: R   

Genre: Drama

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle, Heather Graham, William H. Macy, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzman

IMDB Rank: 7.9/10

Part 1 Time:  99 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  56 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) and Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) have an argument about filming, Dirk storms off, Reed Rothchild (John C. Reily) follows.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “I’m so sorry Jack, I’m so sorry, I’m take care of this, i’ll straiten him out” Reed states to Jack.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Okay Dirk, you ready?” Recording studio DJ speaks into a microphone to Dirk who will be recording a song.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Dirk has become a highly successful adult film star. However his growing ego and drug consumption are beginning to take a toll on his performance. His argument with Jack has him deciding to leave his employment in the adult industry. How will Dirk mange outside of the adult film industry? Will he ever return?

Which part is better?  The film takes place during the late 1970’s when the American adult industry was beginning to take root. The film revolves around Dirk Diggler an adult film star who gains popularity in a growing adult industry. Part one is slightly better as we see the rise and success of Dirk as well as the lifestyle of working in this industry.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Nominated-Burt Reynolds), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated-Julianne Moore), Best Writing-Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Nominated)