Unveiling Showgirls: Gina Gershon's AlphaPussy Journey
Gina Gershon's iconic role in the film Showgirls is a topic she delves into extensively in her new book, AlphaPussy. The experiences she had while making the film are a significant part of her journey as an "AlphaPussy." Despite the numerous stories she could tell about the movie, she highlights some key moments that shaped her time on set.
One interesting tidbit is that Prince was initially set to compose music for Showgirls but was later replaced by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Gershon also shared a personal anecdote about Prince flying her to Minnesota years earlier for a potential role in Purple Rain, which she turned down due to concerns about a sex scene.
Gershon, who was 33 at the time of Showgirls, intentionally presented herself as older to fit the character of Cristal Connors. She went to great lengths to embody the aging showgirl, including physical transformations and altering her voice to match the character's persona.
Despite the film's reputation for being over-the-top, Gershon took her role seriously and even injured herself during the audition process. Her dedication to the character extended to researching the life of a showgirl by visiting strip clubs, which she humorously turned into a tax write-off.
One aspect of the film that Gershon finds challenging to watch now is her accent, which she intended to use as a character choice. However, director Paul Verhoeven disagreed with her approach, leading to some creative differences between them during filming.
Gershon's collaboration with makeup artist David Forrest also provided some unexpected revelations, including his past as a member of the Village People. Their working relationship was intense, with Gershon recalling a heated argument that culminated in her throwing a chair at Verhoeven.
Despite their disagreements, Gershon managed to negotiate certain aspects of her role, such as avoiding full-frontal nudity in a scene. She also shared insights into the elaborate costume and makeup process for the "Goddess" number, which involved intricate details like rhinestones on her nipples.
Overall, Gershon's behind-the-scenes stories from Showgirls offer a glimpse into the challenges and creative decisions that shaped the cult classic. Her candid reflections on the filming process provide a unique perspective on the making of a film that continues to captivate audiences.