Quentin Tarantino is undoubtedly one of the most respected and authoritative directors of modern cinema. While his films may not appeal to everyone, and his tastes in movies can be quite peculiar, his recommendations still carry significant weight. It’s well known that Tarantino is a passionate fan of spaghetti westerns, thrillers, and horror films, but he rarely mentions dramas. However, there is one drama he has spoken about, even calling it one of his favorite films.
Boogie Nights — One of Quentin Tarantino’s Personal Favorites
Tarantino once admitted that he considers Paul Thomas Anderson’s eccentric drama one of the greatest films of modern cinema, and many would likely agree with him. The film, released in 1997, starred Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, among others. The story centers around Eddie Adams, an ordinary waiter who, during the Golden Age of Adult films in the 1970s, catches the eye of renowned Adult movie director Jack Horner. Early tests prove Horner’s instinct right, and Eddie, now with the stage name Dirk Diggler, turns out to be a true talent, rare in the industry.
However, over time, the euphoria of instant success fades, and Dirk begins to realize that fame comes with its own consequences — and can disappear just as quickly as it appeared.
Boogie Nights — A Breakthrough for Paul Thomas Anderson
The film, which received three Oscar nominations, was directed by Anderson when he was just 27 years old. Despite a limited budget of $15 million, the studio allowed him to make a full version of his short film The Dirk Diggler Story, which he made at 18.
Boogie Nights became a box office hit, grossing over $40 million, and also earned Burt Reynolds a Golden Globe win. Just like Tarantino, critics consider Boogie Nights one of the best films in cinema history.
