I think most people who watch this movie don't look past the sex and dancing and dismiss it as a corny, sleazy, sexist flick. But the thing is, it's not a corny, sleazy, sexist flick. It's a corny, sleazy, sexist SATIRE.
I was told that this movie is terrible by countless people - look no further than the 4.9 rating on IMDb! - and even though it's not the best thing I've ever seen, it's not half bad.
The reason this movie is just so full of terrible people and exploitation and lap dances is because Las Vegas itself is full of terrible people and exploitation and lap dances. It's a cleverly written satire about the way that under its shiny, sequinned exterior Vegas is a pretty terrible place. And at first you think that that terrible place is going to completely demolish our innocent young heroine until - wait - we realise that Nomi isn't as innocent as we once thought and she's about to meet her match. And I think that people don't realise that this is supposed to be a satirical movie about how ruthless Vegas is.
Okay, yes, there's a lot of graphic content. A lot. This thing is rated NC-17 for a reason. And on a level, it is definitely a flick that appeals to, and is written by, the male gaze. But in between all of the shows, there were actually genuinely interesting moments. And again, this is a movie that does not sugarcoat a single thing. As I've said before, Vegas behind the curtain is a filthy place and tis movie showcases each and every last bit of it.
I'm not saying this film is flawless - the plot line is pretty basic and there are parts where you start to see the trashiness of it all shine through. However, I like what this movie does differently from every other one similar in genre - the fact that Nomi does not take s**t from anyone. For once, you have a character who threatens creeps and rapists with switchblades and throws ice at disgusting producers who cross the line and helps her friends. She does everything on her own terms and that's awesome to see.
As for the acting - I disagree with the fact that Elizabeth Berkley "killed her career" with the "terrible acting" in this movie. Again, remember that this is a satire - all of the acting, just like all of the performances, was intentionally over-the-top. And Berkley played both the determined and confident showgirl and the innocent Las Vegas newcomer (Versayce?) really well. And she's also a pretty good dancer, unlike what certain people say - not to mention all of it was done in high heels. Kyle MacLachlan is the world's slimiest slime ball in this movie - the likes of which are very common in these kinds of industries - and Gina Gershon is someone who you simultaneously love and hate, much like Nomi does.
Don't take this movie at face level. It's not the most intellectual thing you'll see in your life, but don't dismiss it like everyone else.
-Sasha.
I was told that this movie is terrible by countless people - look no further than the 4.9 rating on IMDb! - and even though it's not the best thing I've ever seen, it's not half bad.
The reason this movie is just so full of terrible people and exploitation and lap dances is because Las Vegas itself is full of terrible people and exploitation and lap dances. It's a cleverly written satire about the way that under its shiny, sequinned exterior Vegas is a pretty terrible place. And at first you think that that terrible place is going to completely demolish our innocent young heroine until - wait - we realise that Nomi isn't as innocent as we once thought and she's about to meet her match. And I think that people don't realise that this is supposed to be a satirical movie about how ruthless Vegas is.
Okay, yes, there's a lot of graphic content. A lot. This thing is rated NC-17 for a reason. And on a level, it is definitely a flick that appeals to, and is written by, the male gaze. But in between all of the shows, there were actually genuinely interesting moments. And again, this is a movie that does not sugarcoat a single thing. As I've said before, Vegas behind the curtain is a filthy place and tis movie showcases each and every last bit of it.
I'm not saying this film is flawless - the plot line is pretty basic and there are parts where you start to see the trashiness of it all shine through. However, I like what this movie does differently from every other one similar in genre - the fact that Nomi does not take s**t from anyone. For once, you have a character who threatens creeps and rapists with switchblades and throws ice at disgusting producers who cross the line and helps her friends. She does everything on her own terms and that's awesome to see.
As for the acting - I disagree with the fact that Elizabeth Berkley "killed her career" with the "terrible acting" in this movie. Again, remember that this is a satire - all of the acting, just like all of the performances, was intentionally over-the-top. And Berkley played both the determined and confident showgirl and the innocent Las Vegas newcomer (Versayce?) really well. And she's also a pretty good dancer, unlike what certain people say - not to mention all of it was done in high heels. Kyle MacLachlan is the world's slimiest slime ball in this movie - the likes of which are very common in these kinds of industries - and Gina Gershon is someone who you simultaneously love and hate, much like Nomi does.
Don't take this movie at face level. It's not the most intellectual thing you'll see in your life, but don't dismiss it like everyone else.
-Sasha.