P.T. Anderson is one of the best filmmakers working today, and one of the reasons that his films are effective is that the director is so creative in his use of music. Anderson's
Boogie Nights (1997) is a panorama of the late 70s/early 80s San Fernando Valley porn scene and has a soundtrack full of hits from that era
. The film has an energy that comes from a constantly roaming camera and non-stop music that transitions from 70s disco and R&B to 80s pop. It often feels like the movie is one long musical montage showing the passage of time and making sure that we always know what each character is up to. This isn't particularly original, but Anderson's genius in
Boogie Nights is in the song choices. Consider the opening scene set to The Emotions' "Best of My Love." This disco tune perfectly sets the scene of the film - it is pulsing, rhythmic, and fun. In a long take worthy of Orson Welles, the music draws us in and captures the optimism and care-free nature of the characters.
