Boogie Nights Review

Messages: A cautionary tale. Attempts to put a human face on the desperation and narcissism driving the explosive expansion of the pornography industry in the 1970s and early '80s. The film graphically shows the consequences of self-delusion, frequent drug use, and pleasure-seeking at the expense of decency and morality.

Role models: In spite of their behavior, most of the tragic characters in this film are looking for love and a family to belong to. Some of the most pathetic in this subculture try to fill the role of mother figure or father figure, with dismal results. A few, including the very young man who makes the central journey, learn valuable lessons and are "saved," at least to a degree. Vulnerable women (and men) are exploited; a variety of ethnicities are represented.

Violence: Intermittent very violent sequences in which multiple deaths occur: a murder-suicide with the perpetrator shooting himself in the mouth and blood spraying the wall behind him; lots of gunplay and on-camera bullet hits, including one lengthy scene in which a drugged-out man threatens and shoots point-blank at three young men, killing one of them; severe brutal beatings that include head-stomping, kicking, roller skates as weapons, gang attacks. In addition, there are several drug overdoses, with lots of blood pouring from the mouth and nose of the victims.

Sex: Nudity (including full frontal, male and female) and sexual activity are frequent. The film shows intercourse, oral sex, group sex, masturbation, voyeurism, a long take on a porn star's giant penis (a prosthetic was used for the filming) and references to child pornography. Sexual sequences are either intimate or performed in the process of shooting the porn films. A violent episode occurs when a young man is perceived as homosexual. In a great many scenes, women (and men) are portrayed as sexual objects.

Language: Nonstop obscene language, swearing, and slurs. Countless uses of "f--k" and "s--t" in multiple forms. Vulgar language is used for body parts, bodily functions, women, and homosexuals (i.e., "d--k," "c--k," "c--t," "piss," "tits," "whore").

Consumerism: Fresca, Polaroid, Vince's Gym.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Many scenes of pot, pills, and graphic cocaine use (including more than one bloody coke overdose). A very long scene shows a drug-crazed addict turning very violent. Alcohol flows, drunkenness is rampant. Cigars and cigarettes accompany most scenes.