You Don't Nomi - Lilith Likes to Watch Documentary December

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Title: You Don't Nomi
Year: 2019

Starring: David Schmander, April Kidwell, Adam Nayman

Director: Jeffrey McHale

Synopsis: Released in 1995, Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls was met by critics and audiences with near universal derision. You Don’t Nomi traces the film’s redemptive journey from notorious flop to cult classic, and maybe even masterpiece. - Via Letterboxd.com

Lilith's Notes: I was so excited for this.

Buy: Amazon

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"There's just something that just screams bad."

Every once and a while I feel a need to reiterate that I have no formal training in media at all. I haven’t taken a screenwriting course, or a film making course, or anything to do with media analysis or pop culture.

I say this because I am fully aware that I am nothing more than a woman with an opinion on pornography. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m some sort of authority or a font of knowledge, unless they’re asking for recommendations on something to watch.

And yet here stands You Don’t Nomi, a documentary about the film Showgirls, that features talking heads that purport to be experts on the subject: A writer of a Showgirls musical, an author of a book of critical analysis of the film, a host of a midnight drag watch-along, even a film professor, who all proceed to dunk on the movie and, dare I say… misunderstand Showgirls?

I reviewed Showgirls for Lilith Likes to Watch back in 2019, and I put forth a theory that it’s really Cristal Connors’ story, only, we, the viewer, came in late to the party. I think it’s as valid a perspective as any other inane thing spouted in this film.

Enter David Schmander, a man who has cultivated a reputation of overanalyzing the film to such an extent that he had become a DVD commenter on the film. He begins by calling the Doggy Chow scene the crown jewel of the movie, and I’m listening in rapt attention because sure, I don’t disagree, but then he goes on to say there is no subtext in this scene.

And then I cover my mouth with my hands and start screaming into my palms.

There is absolutely subtext in this scene. This is where Cristal and Nomi realize they have much in common, and maybe the first hint that Cristal sees in Nomi who she herself used to be and where she came from. How can I be right and the expert be wrong?

My reading of the film is further supported by the next narrator, Adam Nayman, author of It Doesn’t Suck: Showgirls. He goes on to talk about the mildest form of film analysis: the 180 rule, and how during this scene, Nomi and Cristal are suddenly on opposite sides of the frame than they had been a shot ago, and perhaps that is a subtle way to signify that the women are on equal footing. Maybe. At least there’s subtext.

But then he goes on to say that the scene where Cristal and Nomi have a dance off alone on stage has no impact because “the grand reveal was Cristal showing Nomi’s boobs but they’ve been seen throughout the film so what’s the big deal?”

The big deal is that this is the first time another woman has disrobed her.

The big deal is this is the first time she’s not doing it for work, to get a job, or for pleasure.

The big deal is that, in this moment Nomi is obviously aroused.

We also hear from April Kidwell, who, after suffering a traumatic assault, played Jesse Spano on Bayside! The Musical, then went on to play Nomi Malone in Showgirls! The Musical, both written by Bob and Tobly Smith. On some level I sort of respect this segment because film, literature, art, fandom can absolutely help someone get through the tough times, and we can latch onto characters as a source of strength and personal power. We can reclaim our abused bodies by choosing to put it on display, robbing it of mystique. But also, the clips they show of the two musicals are just bad. Humour is subjective, of course, and the humour in Showgirls is extremely subtle. That’s what makes the satire. So, when you decide, as a writer who is paying homage to a satire, to repeat a joke three times then add the word “Bitch” at the end, well, like I said in my previous review, you either didn’t understand the joke, or you’re telling it poorly.

This documentary is to Showgirls what Room 237 is to The Shining, a bunch of shots in the dark, and inane speculation. Jeering and drilling the bad points down even worse. They don’t defend the movie or dare to look past the surface. Some simply snark at it while others try to push a narrative that it was bad on purpose, despite what Verhoeven’s own companion book has said. Anyone who has genuine takes are shat on and to be honest this “documentary” riled me the fuck up. I came out of it agitated, indignant and with my heart pounding.

This is a weird, weird hill for me to die on, yet here I am.

I’m a nobody, with no credentials and I understand Showgirls. Maybe better than most.

Best Moment: The analysis of the pool sex scene was pretty fun, along with the apparent idea that Gershon played Cristal as if she were a drag queen or something.

Worst Moment: How can you not see subtext? There is subtext fucking everywhere in this film!

LILITH'S SCORE: 2/5 - A very low 2. I'm vexed. This movie vexed me.

Until next time, my voracious voyeurs. I’m Lilith, and I’m always watching.