Hard Eight

film by Anderson [1996]

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July 19, 2026

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Hard Eight (1996) is the first feature film by American screenwriter and director Paul Thomas Anderson. This modern film noir stars Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, actors who would become frequent collaborators with Anderson. While critically praised, Hard Eight was followed by Anderson's breakout film, Boogie Nights (1997).12

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Paul Thomas Anderson
Hard Eight and Boogie Nights
His first feature film, Hard Eight (1996), a modern film noir, followed. It included performances by Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, and Philip Seymour Hoffman—all gifted character actors who would be recurring presences in Anderson’s films. Although Hard Eight was critically praised, Anderson’s breakout effort was Boogie Nights…
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His first feature film, Hard Eight (1996), a modern film noir, followed. It included performances by Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, and Philip Seymour Hoffman—all gifted character actors who would be recurring presences in Anderson’s films. Although Hard Eight was critically praised, Anderson’s breakout effort was Boogie Nights…
Read More