Magnolia (1999)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia (1999) is a sweeping, ambitious work that captures twenty-four hours in the lives of seemingly unconnected characters in Los Angeles. Julianne Moore is a beautiful trophy wife who married her rich older husband for his money. As he lies on his deathbed, she is stricken with guilt because she grew to truly love him. Lonely cop John C. Reilly tries to convince coke addict Melora Walters that her baggage isn’t enough to scare him away. Slimy motivational speaker Tom Cruise teaches men how to sneakily seduce women, but his true emotions surface when he learns of his father’s impending death. These characters and more are discovered to be linked when a bizarre, catastrophic event befalls L.A. and helps to change all of their destinies. There’s not much skin in this artsy film, but we get to see Cruise bounce around in a pair of tighty whities. Also, on the DVD outtakes, Reilly riles us up with a laughable but cute butt singing scene. Hey Tom, how about flashing that sweet magnolia!