Iconic sex symbol Pamela Anderson delivers a passionate career shift in her latest film, "The Last Showgirl" from Roadside Attractions. Gia Coppola directs the film from a script written by Kate Gersten.
Anderson portrays Shelly, the featured act in a Vegas show called Razzle Dazzle. One day, the show's producer, Eddie (Dave Bautista), informs Shelly and her fellow cast Jodie (Kiernan Shipka) and Mary-Anne (Brenda Song) that the show is closing due to a shift in what sells as entertainment in Sin City.
Ever the optimist, Shelly lives by the motto that the show must go on, although his best friend Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), a former showgirl turned waitress, struggles to make ends meet and needs to get her life together. Adding to Shelly's woe is her estranged daughter Hannah (Billie Lourd), who has come back into her life hoping to make amends despite the fact she feels that her mother somewhat abandoned her to pursue her dreams.
During the early 1990s, my initial exposure to Pamela Anderson occurred through her portrayal of "C.J. Parker" on the iconic "Baywatch." Throughout a significant portion of her career, Anderson's roles predominantly emphasized her sex appeal. However, in 2022, she had the opportunity to challenge this perception by taking on the role of Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of "Chicago." Furthermore, after viewing her documentary, "Pamela, a Love Story," it became evident that Hollywood had not fully appreciated or utilized her talents effectively.
"The Last Showgirl" eschews any notion that Anderson was just a pretty face. At its core, the film wants to focus on sexism and aging. Coppola opens the movie with Shelly auditioning for a new show. However, we don't see the actual outcome until the film's third act, when the director is revealed to be Jason Schwartzman. It's a good setup as before the audition plays, we see Jodie practicing the routine, which is a bit on the raunchy side and not the art of the sensuality that Shelly is accustomed to.
Everyone in the cast delivers solid performances; Song and Shipka thoroughly tape into the younger showgirl vibe who, whether they like it or not, will one day be where Shelly is, while David Bautista tones down the alpha male bravado and organically shows some emotion. Billie Lourd is also strong as Shelly's now adult daughter, who only wanted her love as a child.
Next to Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis has the second strong as Annette in an almost unrecognizable role. Curtis's character has some passionate monologues, and in a less crowded year, the former scream the queen might be in serious awards talks. However, "The Last Showgirl" clearly belongs to Anderson.
As the protagonist, Anderson does not view Shelley's perspective as a distortion of reality or a denial of facts. Should Shelley be judged for her actions? Will she feel like a failure or a bad mother because of them? Social norms impose such judgments, but she refuses to accept a viewpoint she does not find beautiful or just.
While some questions may linger after the credits, it's clear that Pamela Anderson has emerged as a serious dramatic actress, and I look forward to her next career phase.
Final Grade: B+
"The Last Showgirl" opens on January 10th.
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