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Paul Thomas Anderson stands out as one of the most celebrated auteur filmmakers of the last three decades. His ability to weave contemporary narratives in films such as Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love, alongside period dramas like The Master, There Will Be Blood, and Phantom Thread, showcases his talent for immersing audiences in distinct historical contexts. Through rich storytelling, meticulous costume and production design, innovative camerawork, and stellar performances, Anderson adeptly transports viewers to specific times and places in a way that few can.
Thus far, Anderson has crafted three films set in the 1970s, a decade characterized by significant transformation and societal upheaval. Of these, Boogie Nights and Inherent Vice, both available on Max, excel in capturing the essence of the 1970s. Regardless of whether he is adapting literature or creating original scripts, Anderson displays an extraordinary comfort and competence in exploring cinematic narratives rooted in the past.
What Is Boogie Nights About?
Anderon’s journey into filmmaking began in the late 1980s with a short film titled The Dirk Diggler Story. This 32-minute piece chronicles the fluctuating fortunes of Dirk Diggler, an aspiring adult film star in the San Fernando Valley during the late 1970s. This short served as the foundation for Anderson’s second feature, Boogie Nights, a vibrant ensemble film showcasing a talented cast of emerging actors. Boogie Nights followed Sydney (also known as Hard Eight), which brought together actors like John C. Reilly, Philip Baker Hall, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
A masterclass in style and storytelling, Boogie Nights expands upon the concept of The Dirk Diggler Story, chronicling the rise and subsequent fall of an amateur porn star in the San Fernando Valley. Although Leonardo DiCaprio was initially considered for the lead, he recommended his friend Mark Wahlberg, who delivers one of his finest performances as Diggler. The film is further enriched by an impressive ensemble that includes Hoffman, Reilly, Hall, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, Don Cheadle, Heather Graham, William H. Macy, Ricky Jay, and Luis Guzman.
As Dirk navigates the complexities of fame, he abandons the essentials of personal connection, distancing himself from his girlfriend and facing rejection from his mother. He seeks solace in adult film producer Jack Horner, portrayed by Reynolds, and veteran star Amber Waves, played by Moore, both of whom become surrogate parental figures. As the 1980s approach, Diggler is engulfed by substance abuse and an industry transformation favoring low-cost video production over traditional film, reflecting his struggle to find purpose amid a backdrop of desolation.
Boogie Nights received three Academy Award nominations, including recognition for the supporting roles of Reynolds and Moore. Anderson himself earned a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, with particular commendation for the film’s authentic portrayal of 1970s culture. The iconic soundtrack featuring funk, disco, and rock tunes, along with authentic period costumes and set designs, effectively transports viewers to sunny Los Angeles circa 1977. From Dirk’s eye-catching red 1977 Corvette to Roller Girl (Graham) gliding gracefully on skates, the attention to detail reflects Anderson’s deep connection to the decade in which he was born.
What Is Inherent Vice About?
Seventeen years after Boogie Nights, Anderson took on Inherent Vice, a celebrated adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 novel. Though the story was not his own, Anderson masterfully recreates the atmosphere of 1970s Los Angeles, akin to Boogie Nights. The intentionally convoluted plot follows private investigator Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix), a marijuana-loving hippie searching for his missing ex-girlfriend. As the investigation unfolds, Doc’s quest intertwines with two other disappearances, sending him on a chaotic journey through a Los Angeles shaped by the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement amidst a burgeoning countercultural wave.
In transforming the 1970s novel into film, Anderson blends the laid-back vibe of a Cheech & Chong stoner comedy with elements from classic detective films like The Long Goodbye. This convergence emphasizes the leisurely exploration of the setting over a focus on the mystery itself, showcasing the intricate details of the era’s Los Angeles. The vibrant hues characterizing the late 1970s in Boogie Nights give way to muted earth tones—grays, browns, and tans—in Inherent Vice, along with tight camera framing that echoes contemporary filmmaking practices of that time.
Musically, Inherent Vice opts for a gentler surf-rock soundtrack instead of the pop-rock energy found in Boogie Nights, elevating the film’s authenticity. The convoluted nature of the mysteries, which grow increasingly absurd, highlights the journey rather than a clear resolution. As an eccentric detective caper, the film offers a brilliant representation of the 1970s counterculture in Los Angeles. Both Boogie Nights and Inherent Vice are essential viewing on HBO Max, providing insight into Anderson’s distinctive cinematic style.
PTA’s Next Period Piece, Explained
Following his successful adaptation of a Thomas Pynchon narrative, Anderson is rumored to take on Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland as his next endeavor. Initially, Anderson had contemplated this adaptation before diving into Inherent Vice, but struggled with the novel’s complex narrative threads. Set in California during 1984, Vineland interweaves various timelines—from the 1960s through Ronald Reagan’s presidential re-election—illustrating the consequences of the U.S. War on Drugs on the counterculture movement.
Tentatively named The Battle of Baktan Cross, Anderson’s upcoming project will see him reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio almost three decades after he first wished to collaborate with the actor on Boogie Nights. Although not officially confirmed, many speculate that DiCaprio will portray Zoyd Wheeler, a pivotal character in Vineland entangled in a D.E.A. conspiracy. Joaquin Phoenix was originally slated for DiCaprio’s role but has since stepped down, echoing a recent pattern in the actor’s collaborations.
To authentically recreate the film’s visual style, Anderson will employ VistaVision, a film format introduced by Paramount Pictures in 1954 as a response to the rising popularity of television. This technique offers a wider frame and higher resolution than the standard 35mm format, producing a more refined visual experience. The Battle of Baktan Cross will be notably the first American film shot entirely in VistaVision since Marlon Brando’s One-Eyed Jacks in 1961.
Regardless of the decade depicted, few filmmakers capture historical time periods as effectively as Paul Thomas Anderson. By seamlessly integrating period-appropriate music, fashion, and technology into his works, Anderson not only tells compelling stories but also enriches them with a palpable sense of time, solidifying his esteemed position in filmmaking.
Boogie Nights and Inherent Vice are now available for streaming on Max.
Source
movieweb.com