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Boogie Nights (1997)

By Andrew Stires · July 5, 2011

Screenplay Genre: Drama

Movie Time: 155 minutes

1. INCITING INCIDENT

Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg) is picked up after work by porn director Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) who pitches Eddie his idea for the ultimate story-drive adult film. Jack tells Eddie he wants to be in business with him, and soon Eddie is auditioning with Rollergirl (Heather Graham) on Jack's couch. (00:24:15)

2. LOCK IN (End of Act One)

After being driven from his home by his alchoholic mother (Joanna Gleason), Eddie winds up at Jack's home where he is welcomed with open arms and introduced to all of Jack's film friends. Later that night, while soaking in the hot tub with Jack and Reed Rothchild (John C. Reilly), Eddie reveals his new screen name, Dirk Diggler, and begins his life as a porn star. (00:43:50)

3. FIRST CULMINATION (Midpoint)

High on drugs and struggling to get his manhood to stand at attention, Dirk storms onto Jack's film set and demands they begin shooting. A fight ensues and Dirk storms off, reminding Jack that he's the only reason for Jack's success. (1:36:25)



4. MAIN CULMINATION (End of Act Two)

With everyone's lives slowly devolving into hell, Dirk if forced to pimp himself for cash. He meets a guy named Joe (Channon Roe) who wants to see him jerk off, but Dirk can't get it up. Suddenly, Joe's friends arrive and jump Dirk, leaving him beaten and bloodied in the parking lot. (2:00:13)

5. THIRD ACT TWIST

Desperate for money, Todd Parker (Thomas Jane) convinces Dirk and Reed to accompany him to Rahad Jackson's (Alfred Molina) where they attempt to pass off a bag of baking soda as a half kilo of cocaine. Everything seems to be going smoothly until Todd changes the plan and decides to rob Rahad at gunpoint. Gunfire errupts as Dirk and Reed flee the scene, barely escaping with their lives. (2:14:15)