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MacLachlan's 'Painful' Showgirls Viewing Revealed
30 Sep
Summary
- MacLachlan described his first viewing of Showgirls as genuinely painful.
- He compared the experience to having eyes taped open in A Clockwork Orange.
- The actor discussed this in his new memoir, Fictional Selves, published recently.
Actor Kyle MacLachlan recently reflected on the highly unusual experience of viewing the 1995 film Showgirls for the first time. During a book talk for his memoir, Fictional Selves, MacLachlan described the moment as "genuinely painful," drawing parallels to the intense scenes in A Clockwork Orange where eyes are forcibly held open.
MacLachlan specifically recalled the infamous pool scene, admitting that while filming it felt "edgy," watching it back was a profoundly different and distressing experience. He shared that his initial reaction upon seeing the completed film was one of shock and a desire to "stop the bleeding." He also discussed how taking audacious risks is essential for actors, even if it means pursuing projects that others might advise against.
The actor's memoir, Fictional Selves, is now available. He drew inspiration from Isabella Rossellini's description of working with director David Lynch: "one, two, three — leap into the void," a sentiment he finds perfectly encapsulates the spirit of bold artistic choices.
