Best known for her roles in the 90s, Pamela Anderson has once more captured the spotlight in her latest role in 'The Last Showgirl.' Encapsulating Shelly, the oldest dancer in the last revue on the Las Vegas strip, Anderson has poured herself into the art and effectively defies all judgments regarding her life choices.
In this drama film written by Kate Gersten and directed by Gia Coppola, the narrative unwinds during the final week of the revue, where Shelly grapples with her strained relationship with her estranged daughter played by Billie Lourd. She also leans on her best friend played by Jamie Lee Curtis and confronts the show’s stage manager played by Dave Bautista. Shelly's journey is a poignant reflection of Anderson's own career - enduring, radiant, and resilient.
Just as Anderson made waves in her acting career, she resurfaced amidst popular culture with Hulu’s Emmy-winning miniseries “Pam & Tommy” and through her memoir, "Love, Pamela." Coppola, upon watching Anderson’s documentary “Pamela, A Love Story” on Netflix, immediately knew that Anderson was the perfect fit for Shelly.
Since its premiere, “The Last Showgirl” has received praise from critics, garnering Anderson a number of nominations. Much like Shelly, Anderson has braved the sea of judgment and emerged unscathed, proving that this is not a comeback, but a new beginning for her.
In an interview, Anderson discussed finding emotional healing through her roles, the importance of expressing herself in costume and on set, and her excitement for this new chapter in her career.
The film explores different aspects of femininity and the experience of being a woman in this industry, and the camaraderie among the cast members became a support system both on and off set. Anderson shared how the creation and preparation of costumes played a vital role in defining the characters' narratives. Inspired by the courage and elegance of Shelly, Anderson wishes to further explore her potential in this exciting acting chapter of her life.
Above all, Anderson hopes that "The Last Showgirl", acclaimed for its layered narrative and celebration of the complicated, unvarnished human experience, inspires viewers to continue striving towards their dreams and truly celebrates the essence of being a woman. To Anderson, this film is more than just an entertaining story – it's a call to make the experience of going to the cinema romantic again.
Ultimately, if the film leaves a lingering impression, it's a good film. As Anderson observes, 'The Last Showgirl' stays with you – and isn't that a mark of real, lasting impact?
