Typical tale of a young woman hitch-hiking to Las Vegas with just a suitcase and a dream, who finds stardom after a harrowing climb to the top. Only this time iconic director Paul Verhoeven is at the helm, creator of such big films like Robocop and Total Recall. The result is a BIG film, filled with BIG performances and jarring cinematography. Verhoeven expertly weaves the seedy, amoral tale together with the Vegas backdrop, which becomes a character in itself. The neon soaked scenery pops off the screen, along with the garish costumes and stage makeup that is synonymous with the famed desert oasis that is Las Vegas. Believe it or not, some reviews complain that this is a "tacky production," obviously from people who have never been to Vegas or worked in the entertainment industry out there. No, a movie about this place and THESE people can't possibly be subtle, or understated. Those familiar with Verhoeven's earlier work will recognize in "Showgirls" the exact same theme and story arc seen in many of his other films. "Spetters," "Starship Troopers," "Soldier of Orange," have a theme IDENTICAL to "Showgirls." It's the tale of young people reaching for big dreams, ambitions that are sometimes too lofty to achieve. One of them "makes it" while the others get eviscerated trying to succeed. "Showgirls" is most similar to "Spetters" in this regard. Nomi Malone replaces Rien, who wants to knock the big, established dirt bike racing champ Gerrit Witkamp (Rutger Hauer) out of the top spot and take his place. In Nomi's world Crystal Conners is the big, arrogant star who needs to be pushed aside so Nomi can reach the top. And of course these tales are always accompanied by intense sexuality and violence and violent sexuality. "Showgirls" is no different; the direction is faultless and the production values are through the roof. So what happened? It seems that American audiences are simply not able to handle explicit sexuality and nudity on the big screen. Looking at current Hollywood productions, American movies, though loaded with violence, are virtually sex/nudity free. So much so that I am surprised whenever I see a bare breast in a mainstream Hollywood production. Well "Showgirls" has it, and possesses a European attitude towards it. Elizabeth Berkley is sexy and fearless in her role as the over ambitious Nomi. She was a tv actress and gives that kind of performance, nothing brilliant but it fits the role perfectly. The real star of this one is Gina Gershon, in her role as the tough as nails Crystal. It's obvious she had a blast making this movie, and her performances makes this a truly fun ride. By no means a great film, but certainly far from a failure, and this one has proven that it has stood the test of time. Pretty much everything else made in 1995 is forgotten, but "Showgirls" still receives attention and revival screenings. It's this generation's "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
