(Paul Verhoeven, 1995)
The progression of the Paul Verhoeven filmography goes as follows: Robocop (87), Total Recall (90), Basic Instinct (92), and Showgirls (95). This incredible run would be followed by one of my personal favorites, Starship Troopers, and one I've never seen (and may need to add to the marathon), Hollow Man. As many highlights as there are along that small stretch of his cinematic journey, nothing hit theaters with the impact (or thud) of Showgirls. Written by Joe Eszterhas (Flashdance, Sliver, Jade), Showgirls continues to be a phenomenon of cult cinema like no other. Elizabeth Berkley as the erratic and intolerable Nomi Malone gives a performance that can only be the product of some strange alchemy. Verhoeven has taken credit for the pitch of Berkley's acting, but his directing combined with years of Saved By the Bell-seasoned acting chops results in a performance so volatile it nearly tears through the screen with a switch blade. Cheers to Nomi, and all my friends who used to play our patented Showgirls drinking game where any comment you had to make (or monkey or airborne-on-a-pole dancer) was rewarded with a "drink!" An enduring, depraved, hysterical, awful classic featuring the most laughable pool sex ever committed to film. If you haven't seen it...what are you doing with your life?
Jen's Award for Best Dialogue
(Al Torres to Nomi)
"Must be weird not having anybody come on you."
Next up: Headed back to Vegas for Wrestling two ways!
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