The Last Showgirl

 

“Feeling seen, feeling beautiful, that is powerful. And I can't imagine my life without it.”

Longing, tragic and heartbreaking, The Last Showgirl is a strong showcase for Pamela Anderson in a film that shows the human heart hidden behind the shallow veneer of rhinestones and feathered headdresses with a strong supporting cast and a poignant tear jerking finale. 

Discussion Points:

I love movies that give overlooked or underrated actors/actresses the opportunities to take the lead and really demonstrate their talent. Pamela Anderson has oft been reduced to merely a pretty face and body thanks to her years on Baywatch. But Gia Coppola’s latest gives her ample opportunity to flex her dramatic muscles in a truly heartbreaking performance. As a Las Vegas showgirl, Anderson’s Shelly is also used to being reduced to a pretty face and body. But underneath the glittery surface, there’s a hurting woman unsure of her direction in life and haunted by her failures as a mother and wife. Her hunger for the spotlight and adoration has slowly drained her life until she has no other options, skills or avenues. It’s deeply tragic and heartbreaking film, made even more heartfelt by the supporting cast who are each also dealing with their own problems, struggles and shortcomings. Dave Bautista, Kiernan Shipka, Billie Lourd, Brenda Song and Jaime Lee Curtis all deliver fantastic performances that endear and break your heart at different points. It’s also a fairly anti-Las Vegas film and depicts the dirty hollow reality of the Sin City. Outside the central performances, I’ll be honest the story falters at times and I would’ve loved more resolution for the side characters. I also found the constantly out of focus camera work, especially around the edges of a shot, distracting and visually draining (my eyes kept having to blink to readjust to the blurriness). I was impressed by the costumes and the makeup, but it’s the cast that really carries this film and leaves the lasting impression.