Boogie Nights

[Aaron]

I bought the DVDs for Boogie Nights and Three Kings.

I've never seen either of them, but I've heard great things about both, so, naturally, when I saw them for 8 bucks apiece, I just HAD to add them to my collection.

boogie nights?  oh my goodness josh...i never thought you would buy that crap.    

[bethany]

I bought the DVDs for Boogie Nights and Three Kings.

I've never seen either of them, but I've heard great things about both, so, naturally, when I saw them for 8 bucks apiece, I just HAD to add them to my collection.

boogie nights?  oh my goodness josh...i never thought you would buy that crap.

Boogie Nights is pretty intense, and it's definitely NOT for everyone (or even most people).  But it is an extremely well-crafted, moving film. I, too, own it.

Watch for that first tracking shot - it's killer.  

[Josh]

Watched it this afternoon.

It is most definitely NOT crap. As Bethany said, it is an impressive film in terms of its craftsmanship, and, at times, it is strangely moving.

Sometimes P.T. Anderson tries to juggle too many characters and plots, and some of them seem a little underdeveloped. But his eye for detail is incredible, and the performances are all first-rate, especially those of Mark Whalberg and Burt Reynolds.

And no, it is most certainly not for everyone. There is some very intense and explicit sexuality, language, drug use, and violence, all of which is true to the story and completely non-gratuitous, but it's still too overwhelming for most viewers.

Overall, I think I'd give it an A/A- rating, but, of the two P.T. Anderson films that I've seen, Punchdrunk Love is still my favorite.

Now... on to Magnolia!

[bethany]

Magnolia is by far his best, I think.

[Aaron]

it's still crap, no matter what you think Josh.  

[bethany]

it's still crap, no matter what you think Josh.

You're still wrong, no matter what you think.  

[Aaron]

You're still wrong, no matter what you think.

I'm not wrong...but it's just pathetic that some people's word here is treated like Holy Scripture and if anybody questions it, they get lambasted.  it's pure horse crap.


 

[bethany]

I'm not wrong...but it's just pathetic that some people's word here is treated like Holy Scripture and if anybody questions it, they get lambasted.  it's pure horse crap.

*raises an eyebrow* I'm not sure what you're talking about, but it seems to me that this isn't about a movie. Your words sound angry and pointed at someone or something. If you'd care to share your thoughts more clearly, maybe we would know what you're talking about. As it is, coming into a thread, spouting unsubstantiated poetic thoughts such as "this is crap, period" isn't likely to make a very favorable impression or change anyone's mind about anything (except perhaps about whether they should listen to anything you say).

[Aaron]

I'm just spouting my opinion about a movie.  Just because I don't write a paragraph essay about why I don't like it doesn't mean I shouldn't voice my opinion.   I saw the movie, I thought it was terrible overall.  


Sorry I'm not some movie expert.

[GusX:]

*raises an eyebrow* I'm not sure what you're talking about, but it seems to me that this isn't about a movie. Your words sound angry and pointed at someone or something. If you'd care to share your thoughts more clearly, maybe we would know what you're talking about. As it is, coming into a thread, spouting unsubstantiated poetic thoughts such as "this is crap, period" isn't likely to make a very favorable impression or change anyone's mind about anything (except perhaps about whether they should listen to anything you say).

I doubt that  saying  "its crap" is much different, to change opinions about people's thoughts on your opinions, than you  saying a movie about a pornstar with a long dong  is a good movie...

[bloop]

Having not seen the movie, and being equally inclined to listen to either party, I would say that Josh and bethany are certainly putting forth the more compelling argument when it comes to this movie, as they are at least supporting what they are saying.  I'm not demanding a long outline on why, precisely, it is crap, and that isn't what Josh is giving on the other end either.  But, a small explanation would be nice (and I have to say, the second I hear Plugged-In style "morality police" rants, I'll turn off to it).

I have to say with this backing them up, I have a hard time believing that the movie is a total loss.

[GusX:]

Having not seen the movie, and being equally inclined to listen to either party, I would say that Josh and bethany are certainly putting forth the more compelling argument when it comes to this movie, as they are at least supporting what they are saying.  I'm not demanding a long outline on why, precisely, it is crap, and that isn't what Josh is giving on the other end either.  But, a small explanation would be nice (and I have to say, the second I hear Plugged-In style "morality police" rants, I'll turn off to it).

I have to say with this backing them up, I have a hard time believing that the movie is a total loss.

I have no intent in watching it,   But my point is still here - If your going to say,  oh this movie is great,  and the basis of the movie is about a porn star - Your going to conflict with people who don't  want to watch  a movie about porno industry and the world around it..   And quite frankly I am one of those  "I couldn't  give a darn about this silly thing "   Regardless of how "good"  acting,  yadda yadda is...    

Hence why I could say " It's crap"   and  mean it..    That is my opinion .. and I don't care if you listen to me  or not..  

Yeesh..   Just everyone take a chill pill and enjoy life ...    No need to get nasty..  :D
cheers..

[bloop]

To put it simply, if you haven't seen it and you say that it's crap only based on some general theme of the movie, then I would just say that no one should listen to you (although I'm sure you have the ears of the Plugged-In sheep anyway).

Wanderer has seen it, so I'm inclined to want to know more about what specific things he didn't like about the movie.  I suspect it may be just Wanderer in moral watchdog mode, which doesn't interest me at all, but if it isn't, I'm interested in hearing his opinion.

Right now, I'd describe myself as mildly intrigued about it even though I doubt I'll ever actually get to it.  There's a lot I would rather see first.

[GusX:]

To put it simply, if you haven't seen it and you say that it's crap only based on some general theme of the movie, then I would just say that no one should listen to you (although I'm sure you have the ears of the Plugged-In sheep anyway).

Wanderer has seen it, so I'm inclined to want to know more about what specific things he didn't like about the movie.  I suspect it may be just Wanderer in moral watchdog mode, which doesn't interest me at all, but if it isn't, I'm interested in hearing his opinion.

Right now, I'd describe myself as mildly intrigued about it even though I doubt I'll ever actually get to it.  There's a lot I would rather see first.

I'm intrigued,  as to how one could make a theme like this worth watching.. but I don't need to see it..  and It doesn't intrest me.. so.. it's still crap :D   I don't need you to validate my opinions..    Lol..

cheers.

[bloop]

Well, if we only had a right to an informed opinion in this country, you would have been shot by now.  I suppose that's a downside to freedom.  It is always wrong-headed to make an artistic value judgment about a piece you haven't experienced, and I think this statement is beyond the realm of opinion, because it's self-evident.  To put it succinctly, for one's opinion to  matter, one should at least know what in the hell one is talking about.  It's a problem with a lot of folks, especially church people, that isn't exactly unique to you.  I don't see a single way around that basic rule of thumb, though, with or without my validation of their opinion (which I can't do because I don't know enough to make that judgment).

[thew]

i'm not in morality police mode.  I just thought it was a terrible movie from all aspects, from the script, plot, acting...etc..  Happy now?

[Vlad!]

Woah, I leave for a few hours and I come back to this?

At least one thing that GusX: said is right: everyone needs to calm down a little bit over this thread. I, too, have not seen the movie, but Josh specifically said it's not for everyone. I can assure you, Wanderer, that not everyone here takes Josh's word for gospel. Josh thought it was an excellent movie. You disagree. My biggest problem is with your disagreement: "say all you want about it, it's still crap." I am a proponent of speaking with authority, and in no way to I want to endorse relativism, but when you're talking about as subjective an experience as watching a movie, statements like "it's crap" are pointless. All it says is, you thought the movie was bad. Ok, great, you don't have to watch it again. I'm sorry you didn't like it. Woah, look, Josh and Bethany did like it. They want to talk about how much they liked it. Unless you feel like debating specific points with them--probably an exercise in futility; believe me, I've tried--go right ahead. But to just repeat that it's crap and expect us to take you seriously, well, we like to think for ourselves on this board. A statement like that is more likely to make enemies out of people who would otherwise agree with you than vice-versa.

I would suggest that, if there is a thread about a movie that you don't like, you just ignore the thread. Those who liked it will spend a few posts talking about it, and then they'll calm down. Unless you feel both that it was a movie with no redeeming qualities and that you can defend this belief, you'll end up in a "I think this/well I think that" argument that will get you nowhere. Your views are not marginalized by the fact that other people hold opposing views. Unlike absolute truth, where there is just one right and everything else is wrong, a subjective experience can be difficult to argue effectively. There have been movies which I thought were great but friends thought were trash. I said "didn't you see this, this and this?" and they will say "yes, but what about this, this, and this other thing?" Both of us acknowledge the points of the other, but yet to one the strengths outweigh the weaknesses and to the other they do not.

Believe it or not, I encourage this discussion to continue. Analysing WHY one person liked the same movie that another person hated can be really interesting. Talking about movies with comparative experts like Josh and Bethany is always educational, even when I think they're dead wrong. Just remember: it's a movie. Something you watch for the fun of viewing an artist's perspective on life. Something you analyze to add more to your own understanding. Don't make it more than it is, and don't say things you'll regret over so small an issue.

[GusX:]

Well, if we only had a right to an informed opinion in this country, you would have been shot by now.  I suppose that's a downside to freedom.  It is always wrong-headed to make an artistic value judgment about a piece you haven't experienced, and I think this statement is beyond the realm of opinion, because it's self-evident.  To put it succinctly, for one's opinion to  matter, one should at least know what in the hell one is talking about.  It's a problem with a lot of folks, especially church people, that isn't exactly unique to you.  I don't see a single way around that basic rule of thumb, though, with or without my validation of their opinion (which I can't do because I don't know enough to make that judgment).

Yeesh.. don't get so  swearbear on me     Im just being a goof..  

Vlad - some relatively good points..

[bloop]

i'm not in morality police mode.  I just thought it was a terrible movie from all aspects, from the script, plot, acting...etc..  Happy now?

Happier, yes.  I'm still lacking details from the "hated it" side, but Josh didn't exactly lay it out in that much detail either (just a little more than what's here, but not much more).  The best I have to go on is still Roger Ebert, Peter Travers, and co.

[bethany]

I'm sorry if I overreacted in my earlier posts. I get a little frustrated when people make semi-inflammatory statements and then refuse to elaborate on what they mean. That's probably more my problem than the other person's. And also, I really wasn't that riled up at all when I posted earlier, though I realize now my posts probably sounded that way.

To be honest, I really don't give a damn whether people like Boogie Nights or not. Like I said, it's not for all or even most people, and I would never recommend that people watch it, because there is so much objectionable content and it's rather hard to stomach. I can understand why people wouldn't like it. I'm not on a world-wide "Watch Boogie Nights" mission. Far from it. If you asked me if I liked Boogie Nights, I would probably hesitate for a long time, then say something like "Yyyeeesss.... but that doesn't mean that I think people should necessarily watch it."

I personally think Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the new masters of filmmaking of his generation. His films certainly have their flaws, but there is a great deal of technical merit to them, and I think they're all incredibly touching in their own ways. I know some people hate his movies with a passion. That's fine. I think they're wrong; they think I'm wrong; whatevs. If we're all civil about our differing opinions then there's no need for people to get upset.

[Josh]

I suppose I could elaborate on why I enjoyed Boogie Nights, but, really, why should I bother? There has yet to be a single specific complaint about the film in this entire thread; all I've seen in the way of negative comments has been vague and entirely unsupported.

I will repeat what Bethany and I have both said: This film is not for everyone. And I'm entirely open to the idea of someone here not liking it. But if you're going to voice vague, juvenille opinions like "it's crap," you really can't expect anyone here to take you seriously.

[dgp11776]

I saw the movie and wished I hadn't.  I know bloop will toss my opinion out the window, but I was left feeling dirty after seeing it.  I thought much of the movie was borderline pornography.  There, I've spelled my morals out for you.

[Josh]

I saw the movie and wished I hadn't.  I know bloop will toss my opinion out the window, but I was left feeling dirty after seeing it.  I thought much of the movie was borderline pornography.  There, I've spelled my morals out for you.

Well... parts of the movie almost WERE pornography. Or, rather, a depiction of pornography. It is, after all, a film set in the porn industry...

But like I said earlier, I completely understand pholks not enjoying this one. It's certainly not for everyone.