Watch You Don't Nomi

You Don't Nomi is a 2019 documentary film directed by Jeffrey McHale that explores the legacy and cultural impact of Paul Verhoeven's 1995 film Showgirls. The title of the film is a play on the iconic line from the movie, "There's always someone younger and hungrier coming down the stairs after you. You don't Nomi." The documentary features interviews with a diverse range of people, including film critics, scholars, cultural commentators, and fans of the film. The film also includes archival footage from the making of Showgirls, as well as clips from the film itself, which are at times juxtaposed with scenes from other films to illustrate a point or highlight a contrast.

The documentary begins by acknowledging the critical and commercial failure of Showgirls when it was released in 1995. The film was universally panned by critics and was a box office bomb, grossing only $37 million against a budget of $45 million. Verhoeven was criticized for the film's excessive nudity, graphic sexual content, and over-the-top performances. However, in the years since its release, Showgirls has become a cult classic and garnered a significant following of fans and defenders who see it as a misunderstood masterpiece.

Throughout the documentary, commentators offer their interpretations of why Showgirls was so harshly criticized at the time of its release. Some argue that the film was ahead of its time in terms of its depiction of female sexuality and empowerment, while others suggest that it was a victim of a moral panic surrounding the sexual content in American media in the mid-1990s. The documentary also explores the ways in which Verhoeven's own biography influenced his approach to the film, particularly his experiences growing up in the Netherlands during WWII.

The documentary also delves into the themes of Showgirls and its cultural impact. Many of the commentators point out the ways in which the film critiques the entertainment industry and Hollywood itself, with its portrayal of an ambitious young woman (played by Elizabeth Berkley) who is willing to do whatever it takes to become a star. Others argue that the film is a satire of American culture more broadly, with its depiction of the cut-throat world of Las Vegas entertainment and the commodification of the human body.

As the documentary progresses, it becomes clear that the commentators have very different opinions on Showgirls and its value as a film. Some see it as a feminist masterpiece that subverts Hollywood norms, while others view it as a lurid and sensationalistic film that exploits both its female characters and its audience. Despite these disagreements, however, the film remains a subject of fascination and debate for all who discuss it.

Overall, You Don't Nomi is an engaging and thoughtful documentary that invites viewers to reconsider their assumptions about Showgirls and its place in film history. The film provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, as well as an illuminating exploration of the cultural context in which it was produced and received. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Showgirls or have never seen it, You Don't Nomi offers a valuable and thought-provoking perspective on this controversial and misunderstood film.

You Don't Nomi is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 66.