Elizabeth Berkley stars as Nomi Malone, a struggling dancer trying to make it to the top in Paul Verhoeven's controversial movie, Showgirls.
Nomi is working the only job she could find, an erotic stripper at the Cheetah Club. Although the pay isn't bad and she enjoys being able to dance, she develops a somewhat low self-esteem from one of her job's attributes, private lap dancing. After Nomi is introduced to Las Vegas show dancing star Cristal Connors, Nomi soon gets a taste of cruel manipulation, but also, is given the chance to prove herself as a dancer. By doing so, she is able to pull away from her stripping job, but she doesn't know that what she is getting into could be too hot to handle. As the movie progresses, Nomi discovers that there is a price to pay for fame and fortune, behind all of the glitz and glamour. She learns that she, too, is becoming part of the Las Vegas team when she becomes manipulative and opportunistic just like those around her. How far will she go to get to the top?
Showgirls explores the erotic world of stripping and show dancing through this beautifully done picture. Manipulation and self discovery are the basis for this well written, well-researched drama. The story evolves around the Las Vegas show, Goddess, which is performed at the Stardust Hotel, portrays stylish dancing and a musical score that is not only spunky, but sensual and exciting as well. The rest of the movie also portrays great music with its hip soundtrack, adding variety and rhythm to the rest of the film.
Although harshly judged by critics, Elizabeth Berkley is not only a fine actress, but a well-spoken dancer as well. Berkley brings Nomi a sensuous style to her dancing that few people could have done with the ease and grace that Berkley did. Berkley also adds mystery to the character's background, hinting with small clues to her troubled past in different parts of the movie. Although Nomi makes mistakes, the viewer can't help but sympathize for her, knowing that her intentions were mainly good, noting that her actions had been tainted by those around her.
Gina Gershon portrays Cristal Connors, the famous Las Vegas dancer starring in the lead role of Goddess. Gershon brings out a manipulative side in Cristal that is very surreal to the viewer because she doesn't go over the top with it. She keeps Cristal's mean streak oblivious to everyone but Nomi and the viewer, making her a sly obstacle for Nomi to overcome. At first, Cristal looks down on Nomi as if she were nothing but a whore, but we later learn in the movie that there is something more to Cristal's interest in the young dancer. Cristal sees Nomi as a mirror image of herself when she began many years ago and sees Nomi as a worthy follower, but she is determined to give Nomi a hard time climbing the ladder of fame.
Kyle MacLachlan plays Zak Carey, the entertainment director of the Stardust Hotel. From minute one, we know there is something off about his character. Later in the movie, we discover that he, too, can manipulate with the best of them. He is also determined to have Nomi for himself, and manipulates anything that stands in his way, including Nomi.
Showgirls is one of those movies that has to be watched with an open mind and all stereotypes must be put aside to fully understand and enjoy the film's quality and story. I think many people disliked the film because they were unwilling to accept that America's sweetheart, Elizabeth Berkley, had grown up from her "Saved by the Bell" role, and was now into a more mature, provocative role.
Available with an R rating or an NC-17 on VHS, this film comes highly recommended to those who are seeking an entertaining and provocative movie with an intense plot and great acting.
By: Eric Way 4¼ stars Stars: Elizabeth Berkley, Gina Gershon, Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Ravera, and Robert Davi Directed by: Paul Verhoeven Written by: Joe Ezterhaus Produced by: Mario Kassar Music by: David Stewart
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