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Boogie Nights is a 1997 American drama film that traces the rise and fall of a young man's transformation from an innocent high school dropout to a charismatic and talented porn star in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film begins in 1977 in Los Angeles, where we meet Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), a naive and aimless 17-year-old who works as a dishwasher in a nightclub run by Maurice Rodriguez (Luis Guzmán). One night, he catches the attention of Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds), a legendary adult film director who invites him to star in his upcoming movie. Once he makes his debut as Dirk Diggler, Eddie discovers that he has a talent for performing in front of the camera.

As he becomes increasingly popular among the porn community, Eddie's life spirals out of control. He spends most of his time partying, experimenting with drugs, and engaging in risky sexual behavior. Eddie's many lovers include Amber Waves (Julianne Moore), a veteran porn star who struggles to maintain custody of her son, and Reed Rothchild (John C. Reilly), Eddie's loyal friend and fellow actor.

The film explores the dysfunctional relationships and power dynamics within the porn industry, as well as the impact of the rise of VHS tapes on the industry's profitability. As the 1980s dawn, the industry changes, and as Jack Horner's star begins to fade alongside it, so does Eddie's self-destructive behavior continue to escalate, leaving his friends and former lovers in his wake.

Boogie Nights is a startlingly honest and raw look at the porn industry, with a highly believable setting and unforgettable performances from its cast. Mark Wahlberg is exceptional in the lead role, delivering both the innocent charm and reckless abandon that defines his character's journey. Burt Reynolds is also outstanding as Jack Horner, a director whose love for his art gradually transforms into despair and disillusionment.

Throughout the film, director Paul Thomas Anderson employs a variety of techniques to aid the narrative, such as a series of long, winding shots that capture the seedy glamour of the porn world. The film is also notable for its use of a diverse range of music, including disco and pop hits from the era, which perfectly capture the hedonistic spirit of the time.

Overall, Boogie Nights is a gripping, emotionally turbulent film that explores themes of ambition, addiction, and the search for self-worth in a world where fame and fortune rule everything. It is a daring and provocative film that, thanks to its outstanding screenplay, direction, and ensemble cast, remains one of the highlights of modern American cinema.

Boogie Nights is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 85.