Striptease is a 1996 comedy-drama film, directed by Andrew Bergman and starring Demi Moore in the lead role, along with Armand Assante, Burt Reynolds, and Ving Rhames in supporting roles. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Carl Hiaasen. The story revolves around Erin Grant (Demi Moore), who is a single mother struggling to make ends meet after being fired from her job as an FBI secretary. To support her child and continue her custody battle, she turns to stripping at the Eager Beaver, a Miami adult entertainment club. However, this decision puts her in danger as she becomes the target of both the club's owner, Dilbeck (Burt Reynolds), and a U.S. Congressman, David Dilbeck (Armand Assante), whom she overhears discussing shady deals at the club.
Moore's performance in the role of Erin Grant is the highlight of this film. She breathes life into the character, bringing a sense of depth and vulnerability that make her story all the more compelling. Her dance sequences are sensual and mesmerizing, showcasing the beauty and power of the female form.
The supporting cast, too, is equally impressive, particularly Armand Assante as the sleazy Congressman Dilbeck. Assante's performance is slick and slimy, and he easily embodies the character of a corrupt politician willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
Burt Reynolds, Ving Rhames, and Robert Patrick also deserve special mention for their roles in the film. Reynolds, in particular, shines as the slimy owner of the strip club. His scenes with Moore are intense and uncomfortable, but never veer into being crass or vulgar.
Aside from the performances, the film's production values are noteworthy. The strip club scenes are well-shot, and the cinematography captures the sensuality and seedy ambiance of the setting. The musical score by Howard Shore adds to the mood, with its sultry jazz and blues tracks.
However, the film's climax is a bit underwhelming. The build-up to the final confrontation between Erin and the congressman feels rushed and lacks the tension required for such a pivotal moment. This is a minor quibble, though, as the rest of the film is engaging and entertaining.
The unrated version of Striptease includes a few additional scenes that were cut from the theatrical release. While these scenes don't add much to the story, they do provide a bit more character development and insight into Erin's motivations.
Overall, Striptease is an enjoyable film with strong acting, production values, and a compelling story. It's not without its flaws, but it's definitely worth watching for Moore's powerhouse performance alone. The unrated version offers a few extra scenes, but the theatrical release is just as good.
Striptease Unrated Version is a 1996 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.
