Blog Assignment #7

In comparison to the other scripts, P.T. Anderson’s exercises characterization with much more rigor and efficiency within Boogie Nights. Each character’s personality and psyche develops through their actions, dialogue, and most prominently, their relationships between each other. The previously read screenplays use character action and dialogue for the same effect, but with different style. The other styles are not necessarily less effective when produced into a film, however they are not as captivating on paper. There is something peculiar about the characters’ conversations that completely submerge the reader into Anderson’s imaginary world. By the end of Boogie Nights the porn industry seems so familiar, in the sense of how people involved with pornography act, think, and live their lives. Much more than realized is revealed and explained through the causerie in the most discreet fashion. Anderson refrains from writing blatantly, even when his characters’ personas will allow it. Instead, he drives his narrative with character interconnectivity.

Discussion Questions
1. Would the story be as interesting if it was not associated with the porn industry? What other line of business could replace it?
2. Could the screenplay be just as good by ending on a bad note? If so, by not adding anything new to the script, what would need to be cut out?