Podcast Summary: Dear Movies, I Love You – Episode: Showgirls (1995)! Plus, TCM’s Alicia Malone!

Release Date: July 22, 2025
Hosts: Millie Decherico and Casey O'Brien
Guest: Alicia Malone

Introduction

In this milestone 30th-anniversary episode of Dear Movies, I Love You, hosts Millie Decherico and Casey O'Brien delve deep into the infamous 1995 cult classic Showgirls, celebrating its enduring presence in cinema culture. Joined by special guest Alicia Malone, the discussion navigates through personal film gripes, recent film diaries, and an insightful exploration of Showgirls' legacy.

Film Gripes

Millie kicks off the episode by expressing her frustration with definitive ranked movie lists:

[16:11] Millie Decherico: "My film gripe is that I hate these greatest of all time lists. I've always hated them."

Alicia counters by highlighting the value she finds in such lists for validation and discovery:

[18:01] Alicia Malone: "I think it's nice for a publication to make a statement—these are the best—and that is like a foundation upon which I can either react and be like, 'I strongly disagree,' or 'I agree.'"

The hosts engage in a spirited debate over the relevance and impact of ranked lists in film criticism, ultimately acknowledging their differing perspectives.

Film Diaries

The Film Diaries segment features the hosts sharing their recent cinematic experiences:

• Millie discusses "Burning" (2018), a South Korean thriller that intertwines themes of class and identity:

  [26:20] Millie Decherico: "It's a slow burn thriller about identity and missing people. It's kind of creepy and fun."

• Alicia shares her thoughts on "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning", highlighting the film's intense stunts and over-the-top action:

  [30:50] Alicia Malone: "Some of these stunt set pieces that Tom Cruise goes through... like how did Tom Cruise not die making this movie?"

She also reviews "Monolith" (2022), an Australian podcast horror movie, and "Zero Effect" (1998), a quirky detective film starring Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller.

Deep Dive: Showgirls (1995)

The heart of the episode centers on Showgirls, with an in-depth analysis of its production, reception, and cult status.

First Impressions and Initial Reception

Millie recounts her first unedited viewing experience of Showgirls on television at a friend's country-style home:

[43:38] Millie Decherico: "I watched Showgirls alone in this like country house... I was riveted."

Alicia describes the film's striking visual style and pervasive nudity:

[44:37] Alicia Malone: "The cinematography is beautiful, but the graphic nudity made my mind short circuit while watching."

Acting and Direction

The discussion shifts to Elizabeth Berkley’s "caffeinated acting style", characterized by exaggerated and erratic movements. Millie expresses initial amusement, later reconsidering it as a deliberate portrayal influenced by director Paul Verhoeven:

[51:15] Millie Decherico: "Is that her or is that something else? It feels like intentional feral behavior informed by the character's traumatic past."

Alicia cites Verhoeven’s reflections on the film’s impact on Berkley’s career:

[52:48] Alicia Malone: "If somebody has to be blamed, it should be me, because I thought that it was interesting to portray somebody like that."

Themes and Cultural Impact

Both hosts explore the film's exploration of class warfare and the spectacle of Las Vegas as an entertainment hub. They compare Showgirls to classics like "All About Eve", emphasizing its place in the tradition of Hollywood tales about ambition and rivalry.

[73:29] Millie Decherico: "It's the tale of the old school star being usurped by the new—like All About Eve."

Cult Status and Reappraisal

Millie argues that Showgirls epitomizes the last great cult exploitation film, misunderstood upon release but revered over time:

[71:07] Millie Decherico: "Showgirls is a cult movie because what failed at seriousness is what camp is about—all earnestness and missed swings."

Alicia concurs, noting the film's enduring relevance and graphic content:

[77:08] Alicia Malone: "Watching it today, the graphic nudity and over-the-top acting still feel shocking."

Guest Segment: Alicia Malone on "Actors Fake Drinking from Coffee Mugs"

Alicia Malone introduces her unique area of expertise: the prevalence of actors faking drinking from empty coffee mugs in films and television.

[90:25] Alicia Malone: "A lot of actors fake drinking—straw dangling, empty cups—and it always pulls me out of the movie."

She elaborates on common techniques and their impact on viewers' suspension of disbelief, citing examples from shows like "Friends" and movies like "Office Space".

[91:22] Bowen Yang: "It's so hard to do a sip and a swallow realistically. Even brilliant actors struggle with it."

The conversation highlights the frustration and disbelief fans feel when witnessing such cinematic inconsistencies.

Employee Picks

In their final segment, Millie and Alicia recommend their favorite films related to the episode's theme:

• Millie's Pick: "Bound" (1996) – A neo-noir thriller by the Wachowskis, praised for its storytelling and direction.

  [115:05] Millie Decherico: "Bound is a fantastic double feature with Showgirls, showcasing the Wachowskis' brilliant direction."

• Alicia's Pick: "Starship Troopers" (1997) – Another Paul Verhoeven film, appreciated for its satirical take on fascism and intense action sequences.

  [116:29] Alicia Malone: "Starship Troopers is an outrageous, violent sci-fi movie that brilliantly critiques fascism."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with anticipation for future discussions and a teaser for the next episode featuring "Past Lives" starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. Hosts encourage listeners to engage via social media and share their own film gripes and recommendations.

[119:25] Millie Decherico: "We're going to do an Instagram Live sequel to this episode, so check it out if you're online."

Notable Quotes

• Millie on ‘Showgirls’ Impact:

  [44:29] Millie Decherico: "What we did is have this like digital painted-on bra in every scene to cover up any nudity."

• Alicia on Acting Realism:

  [90:14] Alicia Malone: "I have never seen or to see an actor do a perfect fake sip."

• Millie on Cult Movies:

  [71:07] Millie Decherico: "Cult movies take big swings and try to do things in earnestness and seriousness, but sometimes they end up too funny or over the top."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Dear Movies, I Love You offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Showgirls, enriched by personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and humorous exchanges. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the podcast, Millie, Casey, and Alicia provide a nuanced perspective that deepens your appreciation for this controversial film and its place in cinematic history.

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