MovieChat Forums > Showgirls (1995) Discussion > Cristal's Black understudy??

Cristal's Black understudy??


Not that this film had much credibility to begin with but that is one thing that stuck out to me, Cristal's understudy. She isnt very attractive, she has a HORRIBLE personality and she is a dark skinned Black woman. I just dont realistically see her being the understudy. Just one of MANY flaws in this SH!TFEST of a film.

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It's a topless revue. The understudy wouldn't have to look like Cristal at all, just know how to dance her part in the show. Why couldn't a black woman dance Cristal's part?

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I just dont see it as realistic in Vegas 1995. Obviously by watching the film the understudy part is a big deal to the dancers and the director. Zack even said Julie doesnt have Cristal's "heat". So Julie doesnt but Annie does?? Haaaa yeah ok. Maybe if Annie looked like Naomi Campbell then I could buy it.

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They prolly had a different boss before Zach came in while Annie was the understudy..

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I think you are confusing understudy with body double. An understudy is a replacement if something goes happens to the lead/star. Body double looks like the person and you aren't supposed to tell the difference.

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You sound mad that it was a Black woman lol. Just my laymen's theory, but if black women in the mid 90s could be in the running to be cast as Vegas dancers, chances are some were Vegas dancers. Or at least the black characters were inspired by black dancers. Free your mind my little caterpillar! There's still time to blossom!

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Ummm can you read?? I am not questioning her being a dancer I am questioning her being the understudy. You know its not realistic just admit it. Aint no way in hell would she be the understudy in real life. Especially not in Vegas 95. You must be a young buck

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I'm just using logic, my Internet friend.

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You're absolutely right - 1995 was a whole different world (that being said, Showgirls takes place in a whole different universe lol). The fact that the crotchety old producer turned his nose down at having either Janet Jackson or Paula Abdul replace Cristal ("Paula Abdul...in MY show??!?!?") shows what he really thought of having women of color in his "classy" topless revue.

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"You sound mad that it was a Black woman lol. Just my laymen's theory, but if black women in the mid 90s could be in the running to be cast as Vegas dancers, chances are some were Vegas dancers. Or at least the black characters were inspired by black dancers. Free your mind my little caterpillar! There's still time to blossom!"



lol....yes.

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Why is the understudy being a dark skinned black woman have anything to do with her being able to perform the role? I'm legit confused.

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I don't think the original poster is saying that the black woman couldn't perform the role - we saw her character dance and she was great. What he's saying is that it's likely that, in 1995, a major Vegas revue wouldn't have had a black understudy for a "superstar" like Cristal because the old men that run those places were racists, and assumed their audiences were as ignorant and as close-minded as they were. It's the same thing in Hollywood now - there are some great roles for black women, but not nearly as many as there should be.

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I appreciate your clarification. I definitely think you have a point about the racism during that time and still is in Hollywood and Las Vegas.

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you needed clarification??? Are you slow??? My point was pretty clear..

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This is 1995, not 1965 for crying out loud. Some of you guys are on here talking like this is Las Vegas during the Civil Rights movement.

I'm from L.A., and we used to go to LV all of the time during the 90's, and there were plenty of black showgirls, and some were even the leads.

The OP has no clue what he/she is talking about...

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