LOS ANGELES – Actress Elizabeth Berkley, known for her starring role in the controversial 1995 film “Showgirls,” made a notable appearance at a special screening of the movie on Saturday night, May 13, 2025. The event, held at the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, was part of Cinespia’s 30th anniversary celebration, drawing a significant crowd eager to revisit the Paul Verhoeven-directed feature.
Addressing attendees gathered for the outdoor showing, Berkley expressed profound gratitude towards the LGBTQ+ community for their enduring support and embrace of the film. “You rescued it,” Berkley stated, acknowledging the pivotal role this community played in elevating the movie from its initial critical and commercial failure to its current status as a cherished cult classic.
From Box Office Bomb to Cult Phenomenon
Released in 1995, “Showgirls” was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office, widely regarded as a significant misstep for both its director, Paul Verhoeven, and its lead actress, Elizabeth Berkley. The film, which explored the cutthroat world of Las Vegas show dancers, was controversial for its explicit content and perceived melodramatic tone.
However, over the subsequent decades, “Showgirls” began to find a new life and a dedicated following, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Its over-the-top performances, memorable dialogue, and unique aesthetic were recontextualized and celebrated, leading to packed midnight screenings and a re-appraisal of its place in cinematic history. This shift transformed the movie from a commercial failure into a robust cult classic with a strong cult following, a trajectory rarely seen in Hollywood.
“Way Ahead of Its Time”
During her appearance at the Cinespia event, Berkley also offered her perspective on the film’s initial reception versus its later embrace. She commented that the movie was “way ahead of its time.” This sentiment echoes a common thread among latter-day admirers who argue that the film was perhaps too bold or misunderstood by mainstream audiences and critics upon its original release.
The actress’s acknowledgement of the film’s unconventional journey and her specific praise for the community that championed it underscored the significance of alternative audiences in shaping a film’s legacy. The embrace by the LGBTQ+ community provided “Showgirls” with a context where its exaggerated style and thematic elements could be interpreted and appreciated differently, contributing directly to its resurgence and lasting popularity.
The Significance of the Embrace
The screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery provided a backdrop for Berkley to publicly articulate her appreciation. Cinespia events, known for combining film screenings with atmospheric outdoor locations, often draw diverse crowds, and this particular showing highlighted the specific connection between “Showgirls” and its most ardent fans. Berkley’s surprise appearance added a personal dimension to the event, allowing her to connect directly with the audience that she credited with the film’s revival.
Her statement, “You rescued it,” is a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated fanbases. It acknowledges that a film’s fate is not solely determined by its initial critical or commercial performance but can be significantly altered by organic community support and re-evaluation over time. For “Showgirls,” that transformative support largely came from the LGBTQ+ community, turning a symbol of career setback into a celebrated piece of cinematic kitsch.
The event on Saturday night, May 13, 2025, served not only as a screening of a now-iconic film but also as a moment of public recognition from its star to the fans who played an indispensable role in its unexpected journey from box office bomb to beloved cult classic, solidifying its place in cultural history through sustained grassroots appreciation.
