Synopses & Reviews
Enough time has passed since Showgirls flopped spectacularly that its time for a good, hard look back at the sequined spectacle. A salvage operation on a very public, very expensive train wreck, It Doesn't Suck argues that Showgirls is much smarter and deeper than it is given credit for. In an accessible and entertaining voice, the book encourages a shift in critical perspective on Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls, analyzing the film, its reception, and rehabilitation. This in-depth study of a much-reviled movie is a must read for lovers and haters of the 1995 Razzie winner for Worst Picture.
Review
"It Doesn't Suck isn't just a book about Showgirls, but about the way we perceive such films and how that perception changes over time. As an extended conversation on one of the most ridiculed films of the past two decades, Nayman's book is a valuable gift.” Slate
Review
"Showgirls doesn't suck. That's the thesis of the short, entertaining new book It Doesn't Suck, and author Adam Nayman goes a long way towards proving it....His book definitely demonstrates that Showgirls is a coherent statement, and that its excess, its ridiculousness, and its tastelessness aren't arbitrary, but thematic." The Atlantic
Review
"For lovers of Showgirls or controversial films in general, It Doesn't Suck is likely to be a great conversation piece. It facilitates discussions and inevitable arguments about the film, offers good background and contextual information and equips the reader to carry on the argument with his or her own friends, accepting or rejecting as many of Nayman's arguments as desired.” Paste Magazine
Review
"Nayman's passion is entertaining, like sitting down with a friend who has just realized that you need to watch The Wizard of Oz while listening to Pink Floyd.” Las Vegas Weekly
Synopsis
The Worst. Movie. Ever. is a masterpiece. Seriously.
Enough time has passed since Showgirls flopped spectacularly that it's time for a good, hard look back at the sequined spectacle. A salvage operation on a very public, very expensive train wreck, It Doesn't Suck argues that Showgirls is much smarter and deeper than it is given credit for. In an accessible and entertaining voice, the book encourages a shift in critical perspective on Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls, analyzing the film, its reception, and rehabilitation. This in-depth study of a much-reviled movie is a must read for lovers and haters of the 1995 Razzie winner for Worst Picture.
About the Author
Adam Nayman is a film critic in Toronto and has written on film for the Village Voice, L.A. Weekly, Film Comment, Cineaste, Montage, POV, Reverse Shot, The Walrus, Saturday Night, and Little White Lies. He lives in Toronto, ON.
Table of Contents
1. Masterpiece”
2. Through the Looking Glass
3. Getting Away with Murder
4. The Verhoeven Touch
5. You Got a Name?”
6. Aint Nobody Ever Been Nice to You?”
7. She Can Dance, Cant She?”
8. Show Me Your Tits”
9. If Somebody Gets in Your Way, Step On Em”
10. We Just Want to Party, Baby”
11. Goodbye, Darlin”
12. They Dont Want to Fuck a Penny”
13. It Doesnt Suck”