But even these bits are replete with gratuitous vulgarity and sexual references more interested in shocking audience members than amusing them.

And scattered throughout are loads of in-jokes, many hanging on celebrity recognition such as her name-dropping routines about Cher, Madonna and Jodie Foster, along with a somewhat subtle reference to Warren Beatty.

Her attitude is New York arrogance — I'm hip, you're not. But her intolerant persona tends to undermine the humor. Besides, all it takes to get the celebrity jokes is a subscription to the National Enquirer. Is that really so hip?

Toward the end of the film, during Bernhard's G-string dance, the camera pans into the nightclub to reveal that the audience, save one young woman, has left. The same thing may happen in movie theaters as well.

"Without You I'm Nothing" has its amusing moments, but for the most part it's strictly for fans and masochists.

It is rated R for considerable profanity and vulgarity, along with nudity, sex and drug use.