Paul Verhoeven’s “Showgirls” (1995) was met by critics and audiences with near-universal derision. You Don’t Nomi traces the film’s redemptive journey from notorious flop to cult classic, and maybe even masterpiece.
When we first stumble into the world of “Showgirls” it may be baffling as to how such a film could still be playing so frequently. Well, “You Don’t Nomi” shows us the in-depth analysis and insider knowledge on the making of “Showgirls” and how this film went from box office flop to cult classic wonder. It’s not misconstrued that the film is some hidden “Citizen Kane” but rather that it contains a soul-searching story in the midst of its nudity and vulgarity. Even with the film pushing the limits of these taboo film subjects (procuring an NC-17 rating) the documentary still holds that the film is an exploration of Nomi’s life just as much as it is about her sexual prowess. The film reveals itself to be a complicated story filled with adult themes that can really distract from the central story that director Paul Verhoeven has adamantly stood behind.
“Showgirls” follows a young Polly Ann Costello who arrives in Las Vegas and begins a new life as a dancer named Nomi Malone. While exploring the infamous sin city she meets a collection of people who in one way or another change her life. The more Nomi interacts with these people you begin to see a trend in their relationships with her. They either fall in love with her or groom her to be used for their own selfish needs. Her experiences in these relationships allow her to discover her self-confidence and open her eyes to how cruel the world is. She finds the courage to fight for what she wants despite the turbulent path she’d taken to get there. But that’s not what “You Don’t Nomi” is about. Instead, we delve into the shame tour endured during “Showgirls”’ initial release and its cult following that developed thereafter.
“You Don’t Nomi” is a mixture of archival footage and scenes from “Showgirls” intertwined with commentary from various sources of critics and devotees. The documentary interestingly doesn’t show any person speaking onscreen so the commentary is pure audio intercut with the scenes of “Showgirls.” On a personal level, I dislike not seeing who’s speaking to me but it still gets its message across by cleverly cutting into suggestive scenes and dialogue. Although, with the constant presence of the actual film one can feel the subjective nature of documentary. This does, however, make for a more compelling argument as to why people have grown such a strong attachment to the film.
The revival of “Showgirls” has a lot to do with the support of the LGBTQ community. Live shows and screenings have been put on annually for years now that embrace the satirical and over the top nature of the film. “Showgirls” does in fact contain a genuine arc explored through Nomi that when stripped down to its plot points follows the classic hero’s journey. It’s this foundational structure that seems to have carried “Showgirls”’ story from the shadows of its release to the shining restoration avid fans willed into existence.
The idea of the family you choose rather than the family you’re born into is a staple in the LGBTQ community. For many people, friends become their only family or rather the only family that accepts them. For Nomi, this is exactly what happens. Having no family when she arrives in Vegas to meeting an eclectic group of misfits and wrongdoers that shape her new life depicts the journey of finding that familial belonging most people seek. This creates a strong emotional connection between “Showgirls” and its audience who can relate to the loneliness and longing for love Nomi strived for. These are the fans that see the emotional torture and progression hidden in the background that makes this movie such a treasure to those “Showgirls” fans.
“Showgirls” will continue to live on in the hearts of its fans and retellings from its supporters. “You Don’t Nomi” will be right alongside supporting the fandom and cult adoration that was born from its inception. If you need that little push to better understand the reputation that “Showgirls” has gained, “You Don’t Nomi” will definitely break it down for you. The commentary is informative, clever, silly, and honest with a touch of romanticism for this piece of art. This documentary is definitely a love letter to “Showgirls” and can clearly communicate the love and support that true fans give to this disasterpiece.
Available on Blu-ray and DVD July 21st
