An elegy for the artistic aspirations of porn, Paul Thomas Anderson's epic 1997 ensemble piece can be described as Nashville with country replaced by giant cocks. If you've never seen it in a theater, the moment of anticipatory darkness before the blazing title fills the screen (not to mention the unbroken three-minute shot that follows) is one of the reasons movies were invented. Plus there's Mark Wahlberg as Dirk Diggler, John C. Reilly as Chest Rockwell, Heather Graham as Rollergirl, Alfred Molina as Rahad Jackson, excellent use of "Sister Christian" and "God Only Knows," and a cameo by filmmaker Robert Downey (a prince). The Belcourt's midnight screening includes (what else?) a foot-long hot-dog eating contest courtesy of The Dog of Nashville, prizes from the Nashville Rollergirls, and a $4 "money shot" available at the bar. Best to down it quick.
Sat., March 14, midnight; Sun., March 15, midnight, 2009
