Boogie Nights is a funny, heartbreaking cinematic experience akin to modern classic coming-of-age flicks like Almost Famous and Dazed and Confused. This striking comedy-drama from Paul Thomas Anderson (Licorice Pizza, Inherent Vice) chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of high school dropout Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg) as he navigates the turbulent waters of the 1970s pornographic industry in the San Fernando Valley.

Taken under the wing of famed pornographer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds), Eddie sheds his innocence and takes on the name Dirk Diggler. Working with kindhearted but troubled stars Amber Waves (Julianne Moore) and Rollergirl (Heather Graham), Eddie immerses himself in the culture of the pornographic industry, punctuated with increasing drug use, hard-partying, and alcohol abuse. As he skyrockets into fame and fortune amidst the golden age of porn, Eddie realizes that this shiny new life comes at a potentially dangerous—and lonely—price.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre will be screening Boogie Nights in 70mm tonight in their largest movie house and will continue showings through next Wednesday, June 14th.

This sun-drenched film is a true rarity in its brutally honest storytelling, stunning tracking shots, and poignant performances, which received critical acclaim upon its release. Considered one of the best films of the 1990s, Oscar nominations were bestowed upon Anderson, Moore, and Reynolds, and the film’s soundtrack received high praise. Brimming with upbeat classics from Marvin Gaye to Melanie and Eric Burdon to The Beach Boys, Boogie Nights captures its audience and pulls you effortlessly into the sunny, explosive era.

Boogie Nights offers the perfect concoction of humor and wistfulness, all while serving as a cautionary tale.

Boogie Nights
1997
dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
152 min.

Screening on 70mm Friday, 6/9 through Wednesday, 6/14 @ Coolidge Corner Theatre – click here for showtimes and ticket info!