Elizabeth Berkley is finally receiving the recognition she deserves for her role in “Showgirls.” The actress, best known for her work on “Saved by the Bell,” where she portrayed the character of Las Vegas stripper Nomi Malone, recently shared her thoughts on the film’s legacy. This took place during a special screening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
When “Showgirls” was released in September 1995, it was met with harsh criticism and did not perform well at the box office, earning only $20 million against its $45 million budget. It also received a dismal 23% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Berkley, addressing her fans at the screening, reflected on the initial backlash the movie faced and expressed her gratitude for the newfound love and appreciation for the film.
“Showgirls” has, over the years, developed a cult following. It has been celebrated and parodied in various forms, including drag shows, midnight movie screenings, and even an off-Broadway musical. This unique journey from ridicule to cult classic status was explored in the 2019 documentary “You Don’t Nomi.”
Berkley, in her speech at the Academy Museum, humorously remarked on the film’s unexpected longevity, saying, “They thought it would just die on a video shelf at Blockbuster, but look at us now, darlin’.”
Despite its rocky start, “Showgirls” received a record 13 Razzie Awards nominations and won seven, including worst picture, actress for Berkley, and screenplay for Joe Eszterhas. Berkley, who had invested her heart and soul into the role of Nomi, recalled a conversation where her mother asked her agent if she might win an Academy Award for her performance, given the film’s director, Paul Verhoeven, had previously seen success with “Basic Instinct.”
Berkley also took a moment to thank the film’s fans, especially the LGBTQ community, for their steadfast support and for embracing the film’s campy charm. She expressed her gratitude for the film finding a special place in their hearts.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Berkley’s journey with “Showgirls” is a testament to the unpredictable nature of film reception and the power of a dedicated fanbase to redefine a movie’s legacy.