(Paul Thomas Anderson, US 1997, 155 min., 35mm)
Penetrating the mood of the disco era, P. T. Anderson’s breakout film follows Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) from his days as a petulant young dishwasher to an intrepid porn superstar in California’s San Fernando Valley in the 1970s, to his fall to rock bottom in the 1980s. Philip Seymour Hoffman is heartbreaking as the conflicted homosexual boom operator Scotty J., secretly in love with Dirk but confused about how to express himself. Hoffman’s biggest role to date, here he is in the company of some of the greats of our time: Don Cheadle, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, and Burt Reynolds.
Upcoming Events in this Series
Film Screenings | Hard Eight (35mm)
Paul and Phil The feature debut of acclaimed young writer/director Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) is a brilliantly acted character study about the relationship between a professional gambler and his younger protege.
Film Screenings | Punch-Drunk Love (35mm)
Paul and Phil In a bold career move, Adam Sandler ditches his funny-guy persona to play Barry Egan, a lonely, repressed owner of a plunger and novelty-item wholesale company. Prone to fits of rage and social awkwardness, Barry’s life begins to turn around upon meeting Lena (Emily Watson), a friend of his sister’s.
Film Screenings | The Master (35mm)
Paul and Phil Paul Thomas Anderson’s mesmerizing survey of America’s bruised post-World War II psyche stands as one of the finest films of 2012 for many reasons: the dreamy cinematography; the exquisite production design; and Joaquin Phoenix’s startling, Oscar-nominated turn as Freddie Quell, a psychologically damaged vet who falls under the sway of charismatic cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman).