A Glimpse into Pamela Anderson’s Journey
Pamela Anderson has had a remarkable and multifaceted career, evolving from the world’s most recognized pin-up to a reluctant tabloid target, and now, a comeback queen. Her recent memoir, Love, Pamela, released in 2023, offers an intimate look at her life, revealing her side of the story. Anderson has undoubtedly earned her place in the hearts of many, and in The Last Showgirl, she takes on the role of a Las Vegas dancer whose long-running revue, “Le Razzle Dazzle,” is coming to an end after three decades of success. Her performance is both poignant and delicate, portraying a woman grappling with the superficial pressures of the entertainment industry.
Directed by Gia Coppola, the granddaughter of legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the film is visually stunning, showcasing a unique style that captures the essence of fading glamour and the complexities of aging womanhood. However, the screenplay by Kate Gersten fails to provide the depth needed to let Anderson truly shine in her role.
Coppola’s keen eye for minimalist beauty is evident throughout the film. Shot on beautifully textured 16mm film and often using a handheld camera, the visuals create a washed-out yet captivating aesthetic that reflects the gritty underbelly of Las Vegas.
In her portrayal of Shelly, Anderson embodies a proud artist who likens her work to the grandeur of Parisian cabaret and classic cinema, distancing herself from the stereotype of a strip club performer. She serves as a nurturing figure to a group of younger dancers, with Kiernan Shipka delivering a particularly strong performance as a troubled young starlet. Yet, at 57 years old and after a successful 30-year career, Shelly finds herself at a crossroads, struggling to navigate an industry that has abruptly sidelined her.
The harsh reality is that she has become a victim of an industry that prioritizes youth and physical appeal. During an audition, she lies about her age to a film crew, only to confront them with a heartfelt and justified outburst when they uncover the truth. Her discussions with her ex-boyfriend and stage manager, portrayed by Dave Bautista, reveal her vulnerability and the sensitivity beneath his imposing exterior. Meanwhile, her personal life takes a toll, manifesting in a strained relationship with her semi-estranged daughter, Hannah (played by Billie Lourd), who has long felt neglected in her mother’s quest for fame.
Relationships and Themes
Unfortunately, many of the film’s relationships, particularly the mother-daughter dynamic, are underdeveloped. Hannah expresses her frustration about being left alone in a casino parking lot as a child, a scenario that feels like a cliché pulled from the “bad showbiz parent” playbook. In fact, several aspects of the film echo the themes present in Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, where the aging protagonist, Mickey Rourke, channels the struggles of a public life into his performance. However, The Last Showgirl lacks the emotional depth to evoke a similar impact.
One of the film’s standout moments features Jamie Lee Curtis as a spirited cocktail waitress and long-time friend of Shelly. Curtis delivers an unexpected yet enjoyable performance while singing Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” infusing vitality into the otherwise subdued tone of the film. This burst of energy highlights the contrast between Curtis’s vibrant portrayal and the film’s more monotonous moments.
As the story unfolds, the conclusion drifts into ambiguity, leaving viewers with little insight into Shelly’s growth or her future direction. Despite the compelling nature of Anderson’s performance as a woman who has spent her life as an object of desire and public scrutiny, the film often feels like a poignant message in search of a more cohesive narrative.
