Showgirls

Showgirls is a film directed by Paul Verhoeven and released in 1995 by MGM. It starred former teen actress Elizabeth Berkley (Saved by the Bell) as a drifter who wanders into Las Vegas and climbs the social ladder from stripper to showgirl. The film was slated to be a huge success for the film studio, its directors, and stars (Charlize Theron and Jenny McCarthy were among the actresses who tried for the lead role). Significant hype about the film's gratuitous amounts of sex and nudity preceded the film's release. In the U.S., the final released film was rated NC-17 for "nudity and erotic sexuality throughout, and for some graphic language and sexual violence."

Reaction

The film's subject matter was relatively controversial, but relevant: rape, lesbianism, and interracial relationships were just some of the topics explored. The concept of doing anything to achieve fame and success had never before been addressed at this level. However, the extreme nudity and simulated sex in the film (coupled with what was regarded as one of the most tasteless rape scenes ever recorded) and writing deemed incredibly poor (the screenplay was written by Joe Eszterhas, who reportedly received US$1 million for the script) did not lend itself to what might have been an enthralling film. Instead the film was heralded as one of the worst ever written, winning 6 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards. Verhoeven appeared in person at the Razzies ceremony to accept his "award" for Worst Director.

Related Topics:
Rape - Lesbian - Interracial relationship - Joe Eszterhas - One of the worst ever written - 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards

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The film essentially sealed the acting fate of actress Berkley, whose most notable appearance since has been a supporting part in the film The First Wives Club (legend has it that actress Goldie Hawn, co-producer of The First Wives Club, demanded that Berkley be given the role in a chance to "redeem herself from that horrific picture she did"). Somehow, however, Gershon managed to survive the scourge of the film, going on to moderate acting success.

Related Topics:
The First Wives Club - Goldie Hawn

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Since its release, the film has achieved a cult status. It is shown at midnight madness theaters alongside films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. It has grossed over a hundred million dollars, making it a commercial success. It is heralded as one of the best "good-bad movies" of all time, and is somewhat of a camp classic (in the vein of Valley of the Dolls.)

Related Topics:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show - The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - Camp - Valley of the Dolls

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The rights to show the film on television were eventually purchased by the VH1 network. However, because of the film's gratuitous nudity, a landmark moment in cinema history occurred. An alternative, censored version of the film was created with black bra and panties digitally added over all frontally nude actresses. (This was done in addition to massive scene removal.) Berkley refused to redub her lines, so a distinctly different actress's voice is used in dubbing.

Related Topics:
VH1 - Censored

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