Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
Showgirls tells the story of the seedy debauchery that lies under the glitz and pageantry of Las Vegas entertainment. Just like the eclectic wilds of the Las Vegas strip, this movie has everything you could hope for. Fans of Saved by the Bell and Twin Peaks can watch Elizabeth Berkley and Kyle MacLachlan, there’s vengeful French fry gobbling, and very aggressive dancing. Making a comeback after another extended hiatus, this week’s strange and fantastic tale is 1995’s Showgirls.
Nomi (Berkley) is a tough young woman who heads out to Las Vegas to fulfill her dreams of becoming a dancer. We know she’s tough because she wears a leather jacket and is quick to draw a switchblade. It’s clear Nomi has serious trust issues and has had to rely on herself growing up. After getting her belongings stolen, she is befriended by a kind-hearted makeup artist named Molly (Gena Ravera). Molly buys her some French fries which Nomi proceeds to eat as if they were responsible for her lifetime of trauma. Miraculously, Molly is not put off and offers her a place to stay.
Nomi and Molly start a friendship where they support each other and share their dreams. Showgirls would’ve been an interesting movie just to see this unlikely pair pal around, but that’s not what this movie is about. It’s about how Nomi, who is ridiculed for not knowing how to pronounce Versace, takes Machiavellian steps to combat the cutthroat world of headliner entertainment.
Gina Gershon plays Cristal Connors, the lead dancer in the most popular show. Cristal is Las Vegas royalty and is equally threatened and aroused by Nomi. She senses a kindred spirit in her as they recall the days they used to eat dog food, but bonding aside, Cristal gets her kicks by humiliating Nomi.
Nomi has to get rid of Cristal so that she can shine. It’s Highlander rules and there can be only one. Nomi becomes the star, steals Kyle MacLachlan from Cristal, and becomes a vengeful hit woman when Molly becomes the victim of a vicious and contrived rape plot.
This movie got a lot of flack when it came out. Unfortunately, most of the vitriol was directed at Elizabeth Berkley. Is it campier than the director Paul Verhoeven ever intended? Sure, but Berkeley and Gershon kill it. The chemistry between the two actors adds a dark depth to the movie and overall tells a compelling story with an interesting lesson. Girls must be dangerous in order to survive a dangerous world. Gershon is glamorously monstrous as the Regina George of Vegas showgirls.
Berkley does a great job for her first foray into dramatic acting (besides the caffeine addiction episode of Saved By The Bell). She’s vulnerable and fierce and this should have been a great moment for her. Berkley does a hell of a job for the material she’s given and ultimately the movie is pretty fun.
Pretend it’s the 90’s, go to Vegas, and aggressively eat some French Fries. Call up your ride or die gal pal and watch Showgirls.
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