20 Years Later: How Selma Blair's NC-17 Role In John Waters' 'A Dirty Shame' Defined Her Cult Stardom

As of December 2025, the 2004 film *A Dirty Shame* continues to be one of the most polarizing and discussed entries in the filmography of legendary director John Waters, largely due to its unapologetic satire of American sexual repression and the unforgettable performance by Selma Blair. The movie, which recently marked its 20th anniversary, is a testament to Waters' unique brand of "trash" cinema, pushing boundaries with an NC-17 rating and a bizarre premise that is still shocking to new audiences. The film serves as Waters' final feature-length directorial effort to date, making it a critical piece of cinema history that perfectly encapsulates his career-long obsession with suburban perversion and sexual liberation. Selma Blair’s character, the exhibitionist dancer Caprice Stickles, became an instant cult figure, embodying the film’s central theme of an entire Baltimore community suddenly—and involuntarily—discovering their extreme sexual fetishes.

Selma Blair: A Profile in Resilience and Cult Stardom

Selma Blair Beitner, born on June 23, 1972, in Southfield, Michigan, has built a career defined by complex, often rebellious roles that challenge conventional norms. * Full Name: Selma Blair Beitner * Born: June 23, 1972 (Age 53 as of late 2025) * Birthplace: Southfield, Michigan, U.S. * Education: University of Michigan (B.A. in English and Psychology) * Career Highlights: * *Cruel Intentions* (1999) * *Legally Blonde* (2001) * *The Sweetest Thing* (2002) * *Hellboy* franchise (2004, 2008) * *A Dirty Shame* (2004) * *Introducing, Selma Blair* (2021 Documentary) * Recent Projects/News: Since her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2018, Blair has become a prominent advocate, chronicling her journey in the documentary *Introducing, Selma Blair* and her 2022 autobiography, *Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up*. Her resilience continues to inspire fans and critics alike, lending a new layer of appreciation to her earlier, fearless roles.

The NC-17 Scandal and John Waters’ Final Feature

*A Dirty Shame* premiered in 2004 and immediately caused a stir, not just for its subject matter but for its rare NC-17 rating—a distinction that severely limited its theatrical release and commercial success. John Waters, known as the "Pope of Trash," returned to his roots with this satirical sex comedy, which explores a bizarre epidemic of sudden, uncontrollable sexual awakenings in a conservative Baltimore neighborhood along Harford Road. The plot centers on Sylvia Stickles (Tracey Ullman), a repressed mother who suffers a head injury that transforms her into a sex addict. This "sex change" phenomenon spreads like a sexually transmitted disease, turning the suburban community into a chaotic battleground between the newly liberated "sex addicts" and the conservative "Nimbys" (Not In My Back Yard). The film is a clear homage to exploitation cinema and B-movies, channeling the spirit of directors like Doris Wishman and the aesthetic of stars like Chesty Morgan. Waters uses his signature blend of absurdity and transgression to champion sexual freedom and mock puritanical American values. The NC-17 rating, which Waters reportedly sought to ensure the film's artistic integrity, ultimately cemented its status as a cult classic rather than a mainstream hit.

Caprice Stickles: Selma Blair’s Most Audacious Role

Selma Blair's character, Caprice Stickles, is arguably the most visually and thematically shocking element of the film, and the primary reason for the film's enduring curiosity factor.

The Role of "Ursula Udders"

Caprice is Sylvia Stickles' daughter, a disgruntled teenager and stripper who works under the stage name Ursula Udders. Her sexual obsession, or "perversion," is exhibitionism—the uncontrollable urge to expose herself in public. The role required Blair to wear prosthetics and utilize CGI to create "Russ Meyer-proportioned CGI tits," a deliberate exaggeration that heightens the film's satirical tone and links it directly to the over-the-top aesthetic of B-movie sexploitation.

A Deep Dive into the Character’s Intent

Blair's performance as Caprice is fearless. She portrays the character not just as a caricature, but as a young woman whose inner rebellion manifests in an extreme physical form. Her arc is a dark, comedic mirror to her mother's sudden transformation. * Exhibitionism as Liberation: Caprice’s exhibitionism, while initially a source of conflict, becomes a symbol of her personal liberation from the stifling atmosphere of her suburban home. She is one of the first characters in the film to embrace her sexual identity, even if it is a legally questionable one. * The Cult of Personality: Caprice, along with the film's other characters, including Ray-Ray Perkins (Johnny Knoxville), the voyeuristic son, and Big Ethel (Suzanne Shepherd), the anti-sex crusader, forms a bizarre ensemble that elevates *A Dirty Shame* beyond a simple comedy into a full-blown freak show—a signature of Waters' style.

The Enduring Legacy of *A Dirty Shame* in 2025

Two decades after its initial release, *A Dirty Shame* remains a vital, if controversial, piece of cult cinema, and its discussion is being revitalized in the current cultural landscape.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The film's continued relevance is often tied to the legacy of its director and star. 1. John Waters' Retrospectives: The film is frequently featured in retrospective screenings and celebrations of John Waters' work, such as the 20th Anniversary Coolidge Award in recent years. These events re-introduce the film to new generations of cinephiles. 2. The NC-17 Debate: In a time of increasing censorship and debates over content ratings, the NC-17 status of *A Dirty Shame* serves as a historical benchmark for what constitutes "adult" content in American cinema, contrasting with the more common R-rating. 3. Selma Blair's Resilience: Blair's public journey with MS has led to a renewed appreciation for her body of work, with fans looking back at her most audacious and demanding roles, like Caprice Stickles, as evidence of her lifelong commitment to fearless performance. 4. The Baltimore Trilogy: Though technically not part of his classic trilogy with Divine, *A Dirty Shame* is often grouped with Waters' other Baltimore-set films like *Hairspray*, *Pecker*, and *Serial Mom*, continuing his tradition of satirizing the city's underbelly. Ultimately, Selma Blair’s role as Caprice Stickles, or "Ursula Udders," is more than just a shocking performance; it is a critical component of John Waters' final cinematic statement—a hilarious, trashy, and deeply felt plea for the acceptance of all human desires, no matter how strange. The film’s audacity in 2004 paved the way for a more open discussion of sexual fetishes in comedy, cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern cult film history.