You Don't Nomi

"You Don't Nomi" (2019), directed by Jeffrey McHale, is a documentary that affectionately and meticulously examines the infamous "Showgirls" (1995), the film by Paul Verhoeven and Joe Eszterhas that was harshly criticized upon its release and has since gained a cult following. Through a montage of archival footage and audio interviews with critics and fans, the documentary attempts to answer a central question: where does the true value of "Showgirls" lie?

One of the main focuses of "You Don't Nomi" is the theory that "Showgirls" is not simply a poorly executed film but rather a biting satire and sociocultural commentary that deliberately uses sex and nudity to unsettle the audience. According to this interpretation, Elizabeth Berkley's supposedly "terrible acting" is not a reflection of her lack of talent but a conscious choice by Verhoeven to amplify the film's intentions.

The documentary also examines Paul Verhoeven's career, highlighting his tendency to use provocative material to elicit strong reactions from audiences. However, this exploration feels somewhat superficial and does not delve deeply enough into the impact of his filmography. Despite this, the film offers intriguing observations about visual and narrative elements of "Showgirls," such as the recurring use of mirrors, the symbolism of the name "Nomi," and the widescreen compositions that establish connections with other works by the director.

One of the most notable contributions comes from April Kidwell, who played Nomi in the Off-Broadway parody adaptation "Showgirls! The Musical." However, her participation focuses more on the personal significance the film had for her rather than an analysis of its artistic value. Through a vast array of clips, including negative reviews, parodies, fan gatherings, and iconic scenes from the original film, "You Don't Nomi" documents the critical and popular reevaluation that "Showgirls" has undergone over time.

For "Showgirls" fans, this documentary represents a vindication and provides ample evidence to support their defense of the film. However, for those who still see it as a cinematic disaster, "You Don't Nomi" is unlikely to change their perception. Ultimately, McHale offers a passionate yet biased analysis of a work that continues to divide opinions and whose legacy keeps evolving in pop culture.

This documentary puts forward the idea that perhaps Paul Verhoeven's Razzie winning film "Showgirls" needs reappraisal.

If you haven't already seen it I would suggest you watch "Showgirls" first and then wait at least a day, if not a week, before watching this documentary.

My overall impression of the original film was it was a mis-fire from an over the top, intelligent and creative director who likes to provoke and entertain at the same time. The performances throughout the film are so exaggerated that it is not enjoyable to watch, and while there is a lot of nudity this film is not sexy or titillating at all. As with all the Verhoeven films I've seen there is sex and graphic violence.

This documentary takes the viewer on the journey of how the film has been received over the years, and how it has gained cult status. Fans of the original film praise it, books have been written about it.

The use of excerpts from Verhoeven's other films with insert images of Showgirls on TVs and monitors was interesting, as well as cutting excerpts from other films to compliment the narration/interviews from various critics.

Showing how Paul Verhoeven's stance towards "Showgirls" has changed over the years is interesting, but In the end the film is still a bad film and not the masterpiece that some of the participants in this documentary put forward.

This exploration of what makes Showgirls such a great cult film is at times interesting, but with one main speaker on the subject, it can feel a bit like attending someone's lecture about this in a film school hall. No idea how prohibitive that would have been, but more input from some of the people who helped bring it to life would be interesting.

If you're a fan of Showgirls for what it is, an over-the-top disaster that you can't look away from, then you'll enjoy this documentary. I found it entertaining and witty. Whether people want to admit it or not, Showgirls has become a cult-classic. You can analyze to death just l how bad it is, or you can just sit back and enjoy it in all of its awfulness. I choose to do the latter. To me, Showgirls is so bad that's it's good. This documentary does a good job of playing to that angle for fans, with the exception of one thing....

There is one "feminist" female commentator who chooses to pick the movie apart for its depiction of women. She must use the word 'misogynist' 50 times!!! It's exhausting listening to her. Isn't true feminism being able to do whatever the hell you want with your own body??? If that's showing your boobs on the big screen for 90 minutes and getting paid to do it, well so be it. She seems to only be in favor of female-empowerment when it fits her mold of what that encompasses.

If you can just tune her out, this is a really enjoyable documentary for fans of Showgirls.

I've always loved 'Showgirls' so was delighted to see that a documentary had been released exploring a film dragged through the ringer & accused of being sleazy garbage.

As a queer female, lots of things about Showgirls and Nomi's crazy journey spoke to me such as the concept of 'chosen families'.

'You Don't Nomi' is an absolute must see, putting 'Showgirls' in its rightful spot amongst high camp, delightfully & unashamedly OTT classics including 'Mommie Dearest', 'Valley of the Dolls', 'Cobra Woman', 'The Room', 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' & 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'.

This thoughtful documentary deserves all the awards it will certainly win.