If you've ever wondered what would happen if you combined the glitz and glam of Las Vegas with a dose of gritty drama—look no further than Showgirls (1995). Directed by Paul Verhoeven, whose penchant for bold storytelling is well-known (think RoboCop), this drama turned heads upon its release. With this movie review, let's delve into a film that's both a fever dream and a cautionary tale, as we explore its highs and many, admittedly, lows.
At its core, Showgirls tells the tale of a young and mysterious drifter, Nomi Malone, played with gusto by Elizabeth Berkley. Nomi arrives in Las Vegas, a city that's both glamorous and hollow—a fitting backdrop to her ambitions. She claws her way from the seedy world of stripping to the strobe-lit heights of the Vegas showgirl circuit. Beneath the rhinestones and glitter, the film unravels themes of ambition, exploitation, and the American Dream. This film feels like a wild ride through a hedonistic landscape, where dreams can turn into nightmares.
When it comes to the acting, Elizabeth Berkley throws herself into the role with a raw energy that's both mesmerizing and, sometimes, cringe-worthy. It’s hard not to talk about her performance without acknowledging its over-the-top nature—it’s big, boisterous, and often feels like it’s dialed up to eleven. Meanwhile, Kyle MacLachlan offers a smooth, if somewhat cardboard, performance as Zack Carey, the entertainment director with a questionable moral compass. And let’s not forget Gina Gershon, whose portrayal of Cristal Connors channels both ferocity and allure. The cinematic style bears all the hallmarks of Paul Verhoeven with his expert eye for capturing excess and spectacle. As with any film critique, the screenplay by Joe Eszterhas raises eyebrows—it's a mix of biting commentary and soap opera-like dialogue.
In the realm of cinema analysis, Showgirls often finds itself compared to other drama classics, such as A Star is Born or All About Eve, where ambition comes with a steep price. However, it occupies a unique space of its own, neither fully committing to deep introspection nor fully thriving in camp. For a more modern comparison, the chaotic rise depicted may even remind one of Black Swan, a film similarly focused on the destructive pursuit of fame.
So, should you watch Showgirls? Well, if you love dramas that don't take themselves too seriously, or if you're intrigued by films that have become cult classics despite their rocky receptions, this one should be on your list. It’s a must-watch film for anyone interested in seeing the ambitious but flawed tapestry of glitzy escapism and sincerity that Paul Verhoeven has woven. While not a cinematic masterpiece in its own right, its mix of audacity and absurdity ensures that Showgirls will continue to be a talking point in movie breakdowns for years to come. Grab some popcorn, maybe a drink, and dive into one of the wildest rides the 90s has to offer.