Mark Wahlberg’s Thoughts on Why ‘Boogie Nights’ is deemed Too Risky for Modern Studios
Mark Wahlberg recently spoke about his experience making Boogie Nights and how he initially had doubts about accepting the role. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Boogie Nights was released in 1997 and is considered a significant collaboration that defined Wahlberg’s acting career and propelled Anderson to the status of one of today’s most interesting directors.
The film follows the rise of Dirk Diggler, portrayed by Wahlberg, a young porn star entering manhood in the adult film industry of the 1970s with the help of an ambitious producer. Despite not winning any of its three Academy Award nominations, the film was critically acclaimed and left a mark on cinematic history.
In a recent interview with Variety, Wahlberg reflected on his experience making Boogie Nights and how unsure he was initially when the project was presented to him. At that time, Wahlberg was trying to distance himself from his previous persona as a Calvin Klein model, and he was hesitant about playing a porn star. However, after meeting Anderson and reading the script, he changed his mind and took on the role.
Looking back, Wahlberg’s apprehension was partly influenced by the failure of Showgirls, a film dealing with adult themes that did not resonate well with audiences. Despite initial doubts, Wahlberg’s meeting with Anderson and reading the script convinced him to take on the role at the age of 25. Boogie Nights, with its estimated budget of $15 million, went on to gross $43.1 million worldwide, a success considering the subject matter and budget.
The film also featured notable actors such as Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Wahlberg acknowledges that a film like Boogie Nights might not be made by a traditional studio today due to changing dynamics in the film industry. However, streaming platforms like Netflix or Apple TV+ provide opportunities for unique and risky films to find their audience in the current marketplace.