Porn purists may have scoffed but, like it or not, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights is Hollywood’s definitive statement of the shadow industry of X-rated cinema throughout the 1970s and early ’80s. It opened in theaters to great critical acclaim on this date in 1997.
Boogie Nights flashily chronicles the rise-and-more-rises of Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg), a naturally gifted cocksman (loosely inspired by legendary loin-wielder John Holmes) who makes it big (and often) in the jizz-biz during the waning days of theatrically-released sex films, just on the cusp of home video.
Burt Reynolds portrays a disco-riffic hardcore director, while Heather Graham and Julianne Moore are indisputably awesome as the frequently naked female talent.
Also look for real-life erotic stars Nina Hartley, Skye Blue, and Summer Cummings in sexy supporting roles.
Boogie Nights Boogies Into Theaters -- October 10, 1997
Tagged in: Hardcore, Porn, Heather Graham, 1970s, Julianne Moore, 1990s, Boogie Nights, VHS, Nina Hartley, Skye Blue, Summer Cummings, disco
