MovieChat Forums > Showgirls (1995) Discussion > Berkley's perfromance might actually be ...

Berkley's perfromance might actually be decent when you consider

posted 8 years ago by mizkex
6 replies | jump to latest

That what happens to her character in the story is essentially what happened to her IRL

Nomi and Elizabeth are both young naive and inexperienced, not really knowing how to play the field of showbiz in particular, and as a result Elizabeth gives this very angry and violent performance, which seems true to Nomi's self-destructive and thrashing behavior. Nomi like Elizabeth is manipulated into acting this exaggerated way by her Vegas peers as the film's older, seasoned actors, writer and the director lead her on in her performance choices.

By all means this is not a consistently or always effectively nuanced performance, but it does the job and it seems to keep with the tone of the film and the particular kind of story they wanted tell and it's accompanying delivery from all other production aspects outside of her performance. Not exactly sure why people are so virulent. Sure it's not "authentic" or "realistic" but it doesn't want to be, and I honestly can think of dozens of other films that are even more unrealistic that no one seems to criticize.

[–] GroovyDoom 8 years ago

Your observations are spot on. I think Elizabeth Berkley's performance is great in this. It's certainly as good as it could have been considering the script, and the direction. She didn't come up with that on her own, she was doing what was scripted and what the director told her to do. She gave those dance scenes her all, too.

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[–] danield323 8 years ago

I get Nomi's character and feel like she is more real than a lot of people like to admit. Elizabeth did a good job with the exception of a few scenes. Some her fault, others very much the writing and direction. You can tell she put everything on the line and gave 100% for this role.

The parallels between Elizabeth and Nomi are numerous too, but it's clear to me that Nomi is just a character. The fact that some people can't see that really speaks for her performance too.

[–] lukejbarnett2002 7 years ago

what is IRL? she gave a great performance in showgirls. it's so raw, nasty, extreme, and potent and hard edged. she really made an impact in this role. I've never understood the hatred and ignorant negativity about this amazing, epic, life altering, one film all it's own film.

[–] mike_NY 7 years ago

In Real Life

[–] Dan_Garten 7 years ago

It's certainly a fun performance.

[–] frankzappayay 7 years ago

I think people just think she over acts, but I don't think she does. It is just intense and passionate. There is a difference but the average pleb wont see it.