Often known for his awards-season darlings like The Departed, and jolly comedies like Ted, Mark Wahlberg is considered one of the greatest movie stars in Hollywood. While the actor holds million-dollar movies under his belt, he initially rose to fame with Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 period piece, Boogie Nights.
Appearing alongside infamous Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds – during his life’s crisis, Mark Wahlberg reflected upon his experience and spilled secrets during Boogie Nights‘ 25th anniversary. Speaking with Kevin Hart, Wahlberg confessed how the movie was initially a challenge for them, which eventually ended up catapulting the actors to their stardom.
Also read: ‘Boogie Nights’ Director Says He Lives In An MCU-Obsessed House
Mark Wahlberg Recalls Paul Thomas Anderson’s Vision
Recalling his association with Paul Thomas Anderson who was of the same age as Mark Wahlberg, the actor discussed his 1997 p*rnography-themed opus, Boogie Nights. Sitting for an interview with Kevin Hart, Wahlberg recalled the movie during its 25th anniversary, which happened to have been his first leading role in a critically acclaimed movie.
“Was Boogie Nights supposed to be as big as it was?” Kevin Hart began the conversation on his Hart to Heart episode. Replying to his question, Mark Wahlberg stated, “it could have been really good, which it ended up being; or could have been really bad. We really didn’t know.” Crediting the director for the success, Wahlberg shared, “Paul had the movie hard eight which people were really enjoying.”
Reflecting upon learning the importance of trusting the director and their vision, Mark Wahlberg shared his experience of working with Paul Thomas Anderson. “We were both 25 at the time, we were having a blast…the studio left us alone, we were out there just trying stuff” the actor shared. Praising Anderson’s vision for Boogie Nights, which earned it $43M in 1997, the actor went forward to talk about Burt Reynolds.
Mark Wahlberg Discussed Burt Reynolds’ Boogie Nights Suave
Reminiscing the fun he had on set with Paul Thomas Anderson while shooting Boogie Nights, Mark Wahlberg soon began reflecting upon his work experience with the late Hollywood legend, Burt Reynolds. Discussing how he and Anderson were experimenting with the film, Wahlberg claimed the struggle Reynolds had with the two youngsters, especially while dealing with his own crisis.
“We had Burt, god rest his soul, who was in a bit of…wouldn’t say mid-life crisis, he was having a meltdown, because this guy was the biggest star in the world for 10 years…and now here he is, having to say things, that he didn’t wanna say, that he wasn’t comfortable saying.” Mark Wahlberg spilled.
Speaking about the time when Burt Reynolds won a Golden Globe and earned his sole Oscar nomination for his performance as p*rn director Jack Horner, Wahlberg felt pity for the late star. “He’s a p*rn director, so he’s telling people what to do and how to do, and it just drove him crazy” the Ted actor shared.
Confessing how Reynolds never actually wanted to be a part of Paul Thomas Anderson’s $43M movie, Wahlberg stated, “he didn’t really embrace the movie”. However, eventually, even Reynolds fell in love with the project, when “he realized that everybody loved it…and he should have won the Oscar”. Recalling how he shared a father-son-like relationship with Burt Reynolds, Mark Wahlberg appreciated the late actor for his service to the entertainment industry.
Watch Boogie Nights on Netflix.
Source: Peacock
