Pop Culture Happy Hour Showgirls
Sep 25, 2025
Revisiting a notorious flop turned camp classic, the discussion kicks off with its iconic status as Showgirls celebrates its 30th anniversary. The hosts share personal connections to the film's camp appeal and dissect its controversial themes, including a troubling assault scene that shifts the film's tone. They explore Paul Verhoeven’s career and the ongoing debate about the portrayal of sex and violence. The talk also examines the racial dynamics and industry double standards impacting cast and crew, all while defending Elizabeth Berkley’s performance.
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From Flop To Camp Classic
- Showgirls shifted from a notorious flop to a camp classic and a lens on 1990s moral panic.
- The film's NC-17 status and Vegas-dancer premise framed its initial reception and later cult reevaluation.
Personal First Encounters
- Aisha recalls first seeing Showgirls within the last decade and later introducing it to her partner during quarantine.
- She describes it as 'so bad it's kind of good' and enjoys its committed, over-the-top performances.
Commitment Fuels Camp Appeal
- The cast's extreme commitment fuels the film's camp appeal, especially Elizabeth Berkley's exaggerated performance.
- That intentional overacting creates a lasting, polarizing energy central to its legacy.
