“Showgirls” is a drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven and released in 1995. The film stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a young woman who dreams of becoming a Las Vegas showgirl. The film follows Nomi as she navigates the cutthroat world of Las Vegas entertainment, encountering both allies and enemies along the way.
The film was controversial upon its release, due to its graphic sexual content and depictions of violence. It was widely panned by critics and received several Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay.
Despite its poor critical reception, “Showgirls” has developed a cult following over the years, with some fans appreciating its over-the-top performances and campy dialogue.
The film was also notable for being the first big-screen starring role for Elizabeth Berkley, who was previously known for her role on the TV series “Saved by the Bell.”
Cast
The main cast of “Showgirls” includes:
- Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone
- Kyle MacLachlan as Zack Carey
- Gina Gershon as Cristal Connors
- Glenn Plummer as James Smith
- Robert Davi as Al Torres
- Alan Rachins as Tony Moss
- Gina Ravera as Molly Abrams
- Lin Tucci as Henrietta “Mama” Bazoom
Several other actors also had minor roles or cameos in the film, including William Shockley, Greg Travis, and Al Ruscio.
Production
“Showgirls” was directed by Paul Verhoeven and produced by Alan Marshall. The film was written by Joe Eszterhas, who had previously written the controversial films “Basic Instinct” and “Jagged Edge.”
Principal photography for the film took place in various locations throughout Las Vegas, including the Riviera and the Stardust Resort and Casino. The film’s budget was reported to be around $45 million, making it one of the most expensive NC-17 rated films ever made.
The film’s graphic depictions of sex and violence, as well as its controversial subject matter, made it a lightning rod for controversy upon its release. Critics panned the film for its excessive nudity and shallow characters, with many accusing it of being exploitative and misogynistic. Despite the negative reviews, “Showgirls” did manage to recoup its production costs through home video and cable TV sales.
Over the years, “Showgirls” has gained a cult following and has been re-evaluated by some critics as a camp classic.
Reviews
“Showgirls” received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics upon its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 20% based on 64 reviews, with an average rating of 3.6/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “Vile, contemptible, garish, and misogynistic — and that might just be exactly Showgirls’ point.” On Metacritic, the film has a score of 16 out of 100, indicating “overwhelming dislike.”
Critics panned the film for its excessive nudity, shallow characters, and poor dialogue. The film’s controversial subject matter and graphic depictions of sex and violence also drew criticism. However, some critics praised the film for its camp value and over-the-top performances.
Despite the poor reviews, “Showgirls” has developed a cult following over the years, with some fans appreciating its campy dialogue and outrageous performances. The film has also been re-evaluated by some critics as a satire of the entertainment industry and a commentary on the objectification of women in show business.
Where are they now?
Here are some fun facts about “Showgirls”:
- The film was originally intended to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of the entertainment industry. However, it was received by audiences as a campy, over-the-top spectacle.
- Elizabeth Berkley reportedly turned down the lead role in the film “Clueless” in order to star in “Showgirls.” The decision was seen as a risky move at the time, and the critical backlash to the film hurt Berkley’s career.
- Many of the film’s extras were actual Las Vegas showgirls, who were hired to lend authenticity to the film’s depictions of the entertainment industry.
- The film’s controversial sex scenes were choreographed by French dancer and choreographer Alain Moussi.
- The film’s original NC-17 rating caused controversy, with some theaters refusing to screen the film and many video rental stores refusing to carry it.
- Despite the negative reviews and controversy surrounding the film, “Showgirls” was a box office success, grossing over $20 million domestically and $37 million worldwide.
- The film was nominated for 13 Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Actress. It “won” seven of these awards, tying with “Batman & Robin” for the most Razzies in a single year.
Fun facts
Here’s what some of the main cast members of “Showgirls” have been up to since the movie’s release:
- Elizabeth Berkley has continued to act in films and television, including “The First Wives Club,” “Any Given Sunday,” and “CSI: Miami.” She also competed on the 17th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and has become an advocate for empowering young girls and women through her organization, Ask Elizabeth.
- Kyle MacLachlan has continued to act in films and television, including “Twin Peaks,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Portlandia.” He also reprised his role as FBI Agent Dale Cooper in the revival of “Twin Peaks” in 2017.
- Gina Gershon has continued to act in films and television, including “Bound,” “The Insider,” and “Riverdale.” She has also performed on Broadway and released an album of jazz standards in 2003.
- Glenn Plummer has continued to act in films and television, including “Speed,” “ER,” and “Sons of Anarchy.”
Overall, the cast of “Showgirls” has continued to work in the entertainment industry, with some of them achieving great success in their careers. Despite the controversy and negative reception surrounding the film, it remains a memorable and iconic piece of ’90s pop culture.
Box office
“Showgirls” grossed $20.4 million domestically and $37.8 million worldwide against a reported budget of $45 million, making it a box office disappointment.
Despite being one of the most expensive NC-17 rated films ever made, “Showgirls” failed to recoup its production costs during its theatrical release. However, the film did manage to make a profit through home video and cable TV sales, as it became something of a cult classic among fans.
While “Showgirls” was a commercial disappointment, it remains a memorable and controversial film that continues to be discussed and analyzed by critics and fans alike.
