Introduction

Striptease, released in 1996 and directed by Andrew Bergman, starred Demi Moore in one of her most talked-about and highest-paid roles. Marketed as both a steamy thriller and a political satire, the film promised bold storytelling but ended up drawing mixed reviews and public backlash from the media, but let’s be honest, who was really there for the plot? If we’re being honest, I only really watched this to check out Demi Moore getting her gear off. Nearly three decades later, it remains a cultural artifact of the 90s — a time when Hollywood was experimenting with erotic comedies and pushing the boundaries of mainstream content.

Plot Summary

The story follows Erin Grant (Demi Moore), a single mother and former FBI secretary who loses custody of her daughter to a dead beat father. Desperate for money, she turns to exotic dancing at the Eager Beaver club in Miami. Demi gets her gear off and her body is nothing short of amazing. Worth buying the DVD for no other reason than this. Even if you watch the movie with the sound off, its still well worth it. Her journey leads her into a twisted world of political corruption and obsession when Congressman David Dilbeck (Burt Reynolds) becomes infatuated with her. As Erin navigates strip clubs, courtrooms, and conspiracy, the film attempts to blend satire, drama, and absurdist comedy.

Demi Moore in Striptease: A Polarizing Performance

Demi Moore was reportedly paid $12.5 million for her role — a record-breaking sum at the time — which put her as the highest paid female actress for a film of all time. This of course immediately drew media attention. Demi put in a lot of work into working out and making sure she was in peak physical babe-ness, her physical transformation and commitment to the role, including professional-level dance routines, were undeniable.

In this film we need to remember(even though its hard) Moore portrays Erin as a mother first and a stripper second. She does such a good job at portraying a stripper, that it’s difficult to follow the paper thin plot.

Supporting Cast and Characters

Burt Reynolds plays Congressman Dilbeck in what might be his most outrageous role — greasy, sweaty, and absurdly comedic. Covered in body oil and exuding sleaze, Reynolds commits fully to the caricature, creating moments that are more uncomfortable than funny. Armand Assante as Detective Garcia adds some grounded realism but isn’t given much depth. Ving Rhames, as the loyal bouncer Shad, steals scenes with charm and restraint, offering a refreshing contrast to the film’s excess.

Direction, Tone, and Missed Potential

Director Andrew Bergman couldn’t decide whether Striptease was a dark satire, a comedy, a courtroom drama or a simple T and A film. It doesn’t really matter in the end as Demi is hypnotising in the film and other concerns become unecessary. There’s even some undertones of female empowerment. I fear these messages may get lost with the target audience though.

Striptease itself relies heavily on nudity and shock humour, but thats cool too, we’re not really watching this for an intellectual experience.

Striptease (1996) Reception and Box Office

Striptease opened to overwhelmingly negative reviews. It earned multiple Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actress for Moore. At the box office, it grossed $33 million domestically, falling short of its $50 million production budget.

Critics panned it for tonal confusion and superficial storytelling. Audiences were equally divided — some drawn by the promise of risqué entertainment, others disappointed by its failure to deliver coherent satire or emotional depth.

Legacy: Camp Classic or Missed Opportunity?

Unlike Showgirls, which found a cult following and re-evaluation over time, Striptease hasn’t enjoyed a similar redemption. Perhaps it’s because the film never fully leans into the absurdity or commentary it hints at. Still, it remains a pop culture footnote in conversations about 90s erotic cinema, female-led roles, and how Hollywood handles stories involving sex work.

For viewers interested in the intersection of scandal, gender politics, and media sensationalism, Striptease remains an intriguing — if flawed — experience.

Final Verdict

Striptease is a curious product of its time: A tale of female empowerment that shows of as much tits and Ass as possible in a non X rated film. Demi Moore’s performance is better than the material she was given, and there’s some other great looking babes as well.

If you’re revisiting 90s films or exploring Hollywood’s uneasy relationship with erotic storytelling, Striptease is worth a look. Just don’t expect your IQ to jump dramatically while watching this.