Boogie Nights, So Much More Than Porn

Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the 1997 film is based in Anderson's home turf of the San Fernando Valley, the epicenter of the porn industry at the time.

The film showcases the "Golden Age of Porn" (1969-1984) with its music. The soundtrack ranges from the early 70s sounds of Three Dog Night, to the disco age with artists like Boney M. and The Emotions. Two Boogie Nights soundtracks were released, the first at the time of the film's initial release and the second the following year.

From the manufactured fun of the 70s (KC and the Sunshine Band's 'Boogie Shoes'), the film shifts imperceptibly into the early 80s with subtle changes in clothing, hair and music. The use of hits like "Jesse's Girl" and "Sister Christian" over a high stress situation (characters Dirk and Reed trying to scam a drug dealer) evoke a mix of suspense and comedy. These fun and lighter songs juxtapose the film's darker subject matters in a most evocative way.

Last September, I visited the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a screening of 'Boogie Nights'. Actor John C. Reilly (Reed Rothchild) introduced the film and stated that to him the film is about chosen family. The film ends with the main cast happily still united, either making more films or collaborating in other ways together. The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" plays over this montage, musically illustrating the moment. A wonderful end note to an amazing film.

Favorite song from the film: Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Three Dog Night