Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls (1995) is one of the most infamous cult films of all time—a glitter-soaked, hyper-stylized journey through Las Vegas show business, ambition, exploitation, and female rivalry. Originally met with harsh criticism, the film has since gained a devoted following and undergone re-evaluation as a camp classic, feminist satire, or misunderstood masterpiece—depending on whom you ask.
Detailed Summary
Arrival in Las Vegas: A Starry-Eyed Dream
The story begins with Nomi Malone (Elizabeth Berkley), a drifter with a mysterious past, hitchhiking her way into Las Vegas in search of fame, fortune, or at least a fresh start. She’s brash, impulsive, and clearly carrying some emotional baggage. Soon after arriving, she’s robbed of all her belongings and ends up working at a strip club to survive. Despite this rocky beginning, Nomi is determined to make it big.
The World of Strip Clubs and Showgirls
Nomi works at the Cheetah Club, a gritty strip joint far from the glamor she imagined. There, she meets Molly, a costume designer for the prestigious Stardust Hotel, who becomes her closest (and only) friend. Through Molly, Nomi is introduced to the world of Las Vegas showgirls—especially the Stardust’s headline act: Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon), a powerful, sensual, and arrogant lead dancer.
Cristal sizes Nomi up quickly and toys with her, creating an intense love-hate dynamic. Their mutual attraction and rivalry are at the core of the film, loaded with power play, sexual tension, and ambition.
Climbing the Glittery Ladder
Nomi becomes obsessed with becoming a Stardust dancer. Her raw talent, aggression, and uninhibited performances catch attention, but the path to the top is paved with manipulation, objectification, and betrayal. Cristal blocks her at every turn—until Nomi finally seduces her way into the show by dancing with and then replacing Cristal after causing her to fall down a staircase. Yes, literally.
This moment marks a turning point for Nomi—she has crossed a moral line. Cristal is injured and forced into retirement, and Nomi becomes the new star of the Stardust revue.
The Dark Side of Stardom
As Nomi enjoys her newfound fame, things begin to unravel. Her friend Molly is brutally assaulted by rock star Andrew Carver at a party thrown in Nomi’s honor. This event shatters whatever glamour the world of showbiz had for Nomi. She sees clearly that the industry she fought to climb is built on predation, greed, and silence.
When she tries to get justice for Molly, she’s met with threats and apathy. The hotel management urges her to stay quiet, claiming it’s just the cost of doing business.
Movie Ending
Realizing that fame has cost her everything—her dignity, her friend, her integrity—Nomi takes a final stand. She confronts and viciously assaults Andrew Carver, delivering a brutal, cathartic beating in his hotel room. She then visits Cristal in the hospital and admits that she pushed her. Surprisingly, Cristal forgives her, admitting that she did similar things to get to the top.
Nomi leaves Molly a goodbye note and then leaves Las Vegas the same way she arrived—by hitchhiking, this time in the same outfit and with the same thumb-out pose. The final shot echoes the beginning, suggesting a cyclical nature to her journey—or perhaps that she’s finally ready to start over on her own terms.
There is no redemption arc in the traditional sense. There’s no final spotlight or triumph. Just a battered woman, walking away from a broken system.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Showgirls does not have a post-credits scene. The movie ends with Nomi leaving Las Vegas and heading back into the unknown—an intentionally ambiguous close that doesn’t need further resolution.
Type of Movie
Showgirls is a drama with elements of erotic thriller, satire, and psychological exploration. It operates as both a critique and a glorification of the entertainment industry, veering into camp territory with its over-the-top performances and provocative visuals.
Cast
- Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone
- Gina Gershon as Cristal Connors
- Kyle MacLachlan as Zack Carey
- Glenn Plummer as James
- Robert Davi as Al Torres
- Gina Ravera as Molly Abrams
- Alan Rachins as Tony Moss
- William Shockley as Andrew Carver
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by David A. Stewart, formerly of Eurythmics. The soundtrack also includes music from Prince, David Bowie, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, contributing to the film’s edgy and sultry atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Most of the film was shot on location in Vegas, including inside actual clubs and hotels such as the Riviera and Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The authenticity of these real-life locations underscores the harsh reality behind the glittery facade.
- Los Angeles, California: Additional interior scenes were filmed on sound stages and in LA clubs.
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Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for a record 13 Razzie Awards and won 7, including Worst Picture, Worst Actress, and Worst Director.
- However, it has since received cult recognition and was awarded the “Worst Movie Ever to Gross More Than $100M” (via home video) by Entertainment Weekly.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Elizabeth Berkley’s career was severely impacted by the backlash to her performance. She later said she was emotionally devastated by the reception.
- Paul Verhoeven became the first director to accept a Razzie in person.
- The film was originally rated NC-17 for graphic sexual content—one of the few major studio releases to receive that rating.
- Verhoeven has since claimed the movie was intentionally satirical, though not all critics buy that.
Inspirations and References
- Showgirls was written by Joe Eszterhas, the screenwriter of Basic Instinct (also directed by Verhoeven).
- The story borrows heavily from the “All About Eve” archetype: a young newcomer claws her way to the top by dethroning an established star.
- Its critique of exploitation in the entertainment world has drawn comparisons to Sunset Boulevard and Cabaret—albeit with far more glitter and pole-dancing.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- An alternate ending was discussed where Nomi would take the stage in LA, hinting at a new beginning in Hollywood, but it was cut to keep the film circular and unresolved.
- Several deleted scenes involve deeper character development for Molly and James, Nomi’s love interest. These were removed to focus more on Nomi’s rivalry with Cristal.
Book Adaptations and Differences
A novelization of the film was released, which includes deeper insights into Nomi’s backstory (including her real name being Polly) and more details about her traumatic past. The book is more psychological and less flashy than the movie, adding context that was only implied onscreen.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Nomi’s audition scene, where she’s humiliated and objectified.
- The infamous swimming pool sex scene, often cited as one of the most unintentionally hilarious in cinema history.
- Nomi pushing Cristal down the stairs—a turning point in the plot.
- Molly’s tragic assault scene, which shifts the tone dramatically.
Iconic Quotes
- “It must be weird, not having anybody come on you.”
- “I’m not a whore. I’m a dancer.”
- “You can’t touch me, but I can touch you.”
- “There’s always someone younger and hungrier coming down the stairs after you.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Nomi’s real name, Polly, is subtly hinted at before it’s revealed in full.
- The film references the Stardust Hotel, a real Las Vegas hotel that was imploded in 2007.
- Cristal’s line about “always someone coming down the stairs” foreshadows her own downfall.
Trivia
- The film grossed over $100 million worldwide, mostly from home video sales, despite bombing at the box office.
- Quentin Tarantino is a vocal fan of the film.
- MGM at one point considered a sequel titled Showgirls 2: Vegas Heat, which never materialized. An unofficial sequel, Showgirls 2: Penny’s from Heaven, was made independently by cast member Rena Riffel.
- It was banned in some countries due to its explicit content.
Why Watch?
Because Showgirls is unlike anything else—it’s a cinematic paradox: a trainwreck that’s compulsively watchable, a glittering mess that’s also strangely profound. Whether you see it as a feminist satire, a misunderstood character study, or pure camp gold, it’s a conversation starter like no other.