Ep. 44: SHOWGIRLS (1995) | Sex + Violence: The Films of Paul Verhoeven, Part V

<p>After his third major success with BASIC INSTINCT, Paul Verhoeven had the Hollywood clout to do something truly audacious for his next film: He was going to direct a film that he wouldn’t have to cut down to get an R-rating, something he’d struggled with on all of his American productions so far.</p> <p>The resulting film is the infamous SHOWGIRLS. Hailed as one of the worst films of all time when it was released in 1995, SHOWGIRLS has gone on to be re-evaluated. Over the last quarter century, it’s evolved from pariah to camp classic to, in recent years, being seen as a misunderstood film, one that’s much better than its reputation would indicate.</p> <p>In this episode, we’ll explore the creation of the film itself, from an idea scribbled on a napkin by writer Joe Ezsterhas, through its production, release, and critical evaluation, all the way through its more recent resurgence.</p> <p>BUY OUR MERCH: <a href='http://cinemashock.threadless.com/'>http://cinemashock.threadless.com</a></p> <p>Coming Up:</p> <ul><li> <p><a href='https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/starship-troopers'>STARSHIP TROOPERS</a> (1997)</p> </li> </ul> <ul><li> <p><a href='https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/hollow-man-1'>HOLLOW MAN</a> (2000)</p> </li> </ul> <p>Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by <a href='https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj8487dns3rAhXut1kKHWjpBtIQFjAAegQIBRAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fslasherfilmfestivalstrategy.bandcamp.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw3qXZCJdUiLORfY6MbQrpo5'>Slasher Film Festival Strategy</a>.</p> <p>This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, Justin Bishop, & Todd Davis.</p> <p>Visit our website for episode archives, blogs and more: <a href='http://cinemashock.net/'>http://cinemashock.net</a></p> <p>Follow us:</p> <p><a href='http://twitter.com/cinema_shock'>twitter.com/cinema_shock</a></p> <p><a href='http://facebook.com/cinemashocknet'>faceboo