Cinema

The third feature from Boogie Nights director Paul Thomas Anderson, Magnolia, is a dark and ambitious picture observing the interconnected lives of nine disparate characters over the course of one intense day in the San Fernando Valley. The strong cast includes Jason Robards, Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy (right) and Melora Walters. The film received three Oscar nominations this year - original screenplay for Anderson; best song for Save Me by Aimee Mann, and best supporting actor for Cruise, who plays a foulmouthed sex guru. The film opens at selected cinemas next Friday.