The film by Gia Coppola (granddaughter of the legendary Francis Ford), who, after a promising debut in “Palo Alto” (2013), failed with the weak “King of the Internet” (2020), was widely publicized largely due to Pamela Anderson playing the main role. . An American actress perceived as a sex symbol of the 1990s. From the role of CJ Parker in the cult series “Baywatch” through “Wyldstyle” (1996) to the moral scandals that befell the woman and her then-husband. The tabloids were especially vocal about them, and the actress herself claims that they actually ruined her career. Last year, a moving documentary about Pamela Anderson premiered on Netflix, which not only revealed many behind-the-scenes details of her private life, but also showed that she was never really taken seriously in the industry.
Coppola’s offer fell from heaven and it clearly meant a lot to the actress. And how much could be seen during the film’s premiere in San Sebastián, where the audience’s thunderous ovation and enthusiasm after the screening brought tears to Anderson’s eyes. The role he plays “The Last Showgirl” is entirely symbolic. Shelley is a dancer, a veteran of a strip show that has been performed for years in one of the casinos in Las Vegas. And although she sees it primarily as an artistic value and with roots in French burlesque, her younger friends deprive her of any illusions. It’s just an ordinary job, a “show of tits and feathers” that allows you to earn money or get out of the house. Moreover, one where there are no sentiments. This is what the heroine discovers during dinner with friends, when it turns out that Le Razzle Dazzle, the show she has been appearing in for thirty years, will be permanently canceled in two weeks. New owners, market laws. “C’est la vie” – as Shelley says at one point.
And life, especially in such a place focused on the cult of beauty and youth, treats it brutally. Moreover, in one of the scenes, a casting for the next show, Shelley is directly told that her time has passed. “The Last Showgirl” is essentially a film about time and the nostalgia associated with it. Focused on building the atmosphere rather than moving the action dynamically forward. Coppola focuses on her heroine, illustrating how lost and confused she is. On the one hand, he cannot find his way in his new reality, and on the other hand, he still has remorse related to the neglected parentage of his now adult daughter, Hannah.
It is clear that the subject described by the American director is familiar to Pamela Anderson. This story about sexualization, advancing age, and a sudden change of perspective feels familiar. We empathize with her no matter how many times she exaggerates in her role – with her look, facial expression or theatrical gesture. And this happens a lot in “The Last Showgirl.” It seems to me that the whole point is that Anderson is not just an exceptionally talented actress with a wide range of professional skills. This is especially visible in the confrontation with Jamie Lee Curtis, who is great in a supporting role, and even Dave Bautista, who plays the show manager. But I don’t think that’s what this is about. The symbolic layer is more important. I feel like this is more of a movie about Pamela Anderson as a person than Pamela Anderson as an actress. And in this it is absolutely credible.
The film was included in the program of the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
7/10
“The Last Showgirl”dir. Gia Coppola, USA 2024.