mohnomachado

Found this one quite touching for a small production and low stakes. "Brigsby Bear" is a film for those who understand the best part of making a great movie is to do it with your friends. It's quite a simple premise that really has some emotional weight once you realize what the story is about. Kyle Mooney is awesome as the lead, and I found his parents particularly riveting in the emotional scenes. There is also some subtly good commentary on the mental health of the U. S that sprouts out later that I was impressed by for such an indie comedy film. I'm not sure I would say this is a full blown comedy, so go in knowing that it is more of a drama with sprinkles of comedy. If you prefer a movie with higher stakes, I'd pass on this. If you enjoy movies with a lot of heart, it's hard not to recommend.

One of the most intricate odysseys into an industry that is seen as taboo by most people. What PTA is able to do with "Boogie Nights" is paint porn actors and workers as normal people just looking for a family after being abandoned or shunned away from their own.

Let's start with the obvious. This script is amazing, with an even amount of character and plot that I think would have been hard for any director, let alone a 27 year old, to balance in this period piece. This is a 2 hour and half movie that feels like 2 hours.

The costumes are amazing from Mark Bridges, and I'm sort of baffled how he wasn't nominated. Paul knows how to make the most from his production because at a mere 15 million dollars, this looks like a 100 million dollar movie considering the cast involved. Credit should be given to Robert Elswitt whose steady pan camera movements and immaculate lighting transport you into the San Fernando Valley during the 1970's. Finally the direction from PTA: Wow, just wow. I'm not really sure how pulled off this vision at such a young age, but I can tell why he watched "Goodfellas" once a week while filming this. This almost seeps of Scorsese energy and it's all the better for it.

In terms of acting, the real standout has gotta be Burt Reynolds as Jack Horner. He plays the part so suave and collected, it's hard to tell that he was pissed off when filming this. And let's not forget Marky Mark himself channeling in his best work as Dirk Diggler. Without his wonderfully comical performance, I'm not sure this film works. He fits the whole vibe of "Boogie Nights" to a tee and leans into the zaniness of a porn actor on an ego trip in all the right ways.

One last thing I'll say: this is a perfect way to showcase how to switch film stocks without it being distracting. The home made feel of the porn sets and scenes add to the authenticity of the movie to the point where when you see 16mm film, not only are you engaged, but you're also sucked into the world like few directors would be able to pull. I have to say, PTA has truly made a film that is "true, and right, and dramatic" just like Horner would have wanted. Well done Mr. Anderson...

"If you figure a way to live without serving a master, any master, then let the rest of us know, will you? For you'd be the first person in the history of the world."

-Lancaster Dodd

This quotation pretty much sums up how oddly hypnotizing this film is to experience. It's best to go in blind, but all I'll really say is Joaquin Phoenix and a Phillip Seymour Hoffman deliver wonderfully dramatic performances as total opposites who can't help but be stuck together. To say that the acting here is good is an understatement. There is a scene between these two, you'll know it when you see it, that will go down as one of the best acted scenes caught on film. Excellent soundtrack, amazing 70mm film from a cinematography standpoint, and the impeccable directing and acting make this a must watch for anyone interested in film. Take the journey with "The Master" and you will walk out a changed person from the experience.