Boogie Nights

[jmhut 1]

The first time I saw this movie I thought it was a serious, period piece telling the story of a subculture that evolved into a billion dollar mainstream industry. I thought it was the worst piece of dreck I've ever seen. The second time I saw it with a group of friends in college. I was surprised that they were laughing throughout. Years later I saw Mark Wahlberg give an interview in which he essentially mocked his role and the movie and I finally realized it was a comedy. I watched it a third time by myself and laughed my ass off. I also realized, late, how much serious star power the movie had and how generous it was for so many talented actors to play comedic buffoons. Viewed as a primarily comedic enterprise some of the more poignant dramatic moments also landed for me on the third pass. So, my question is, if it takes three passes to realize a movie is actually really good does that count as a bad movie that should be reviewed? Thx.

[sillstaw 414]

First "Grizzly Man," now this? Are you brain-damaged or just a troll?

[jmhut 1]

Fan of the show putting forward ernest suggestions. Do you honestly doubt the veracity of Boogie Nights as a worthy suggestion? Back it up with something more than dismissive rhetoric. This movie was epically bad/amazingly good. No brain damage required on this one buddy. I'd refer you to a mirror as to whom between us is trolling. Give the shutdown corner routine a rest and get on board. this is supposed to be FUN!

[Ribelin2000 23]

I think this movie would be more of a candidate for Thank God This Got Made.

 

I'm willing to bet you love Fight Club, right, jmhut?

[jmhut 1]

Ha! Like I said it took me a few viewings to get there but yeah, It is pretty great. Thank God This Got Made is fair. I had to work for it though. Boogie Nights for me was like Con Air. Bananas and weird but after a few tries I gave in and it was awesome. Fight Club was similar. Subversive and irreverent is always a draw. Very interesting, well written and acted. A bit above reality but a fun ride. You would have nailed me closer to the core with "Office Space" but well played sir.

[PlanBFromOuterSpace 3138]

I can't understand NOT understanding what it is on a first viewing. I can certainly understand not liking it, even though it's my favorite film of all time (it flip-flops with "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", so try to understand THAT logic...), but it's a pretty straight-forward dramedy. There are certainly things to pick up on on later viewings, but that has more to do with knowing how it was satirizing the porn industry at the time, and particularly the story of John Holmes. If you went into the film hearing it was a big laugh-out-loud comedy or the most depressing thing you'll ever see, I can see being disappointed that it wasn't one or the other, but I simply cannot get confusion about what it is from it. It's not like a porno "Donnie Darko" or anything.

[justinmh05 1968]

PT Anderson's first three movies are perfect. This one is the most perfect.