Joey Magidson
Most films set in Las Vegas play up the glitz and the glamour of it all. For the characters in The Last Showgirl, their livelihoods center on presenting that to those in town, yet their actual lives in the city are anything but. That’s the crux of an imperfect yet compelling film, one with a central performance that will surprise a lot of people. It’s a small work, to be sure, but one with the potential to really land for folks.
The Last Showgirl is, quite simply, a showcase for Pamela Anderson. She has never been given material like this before, so it’s a surprise when we see her ace it. Now, that’s a failing on other filmmakers, but having her in this movie is not just clever casting, but a coup for both parties. Her work ends up being the highlight of the flick.
Shelly (Anderson) is a seasoned showgirl who has made a Las Vegas revue her home for decades. Her life in Vegas is simple and even sad, but on the stage, she’s a star. Her younger co-stars like Mary-Anne (Brenda Song) just look at it like a job, but being a showgirl has been Shelly’s calling. After work, she spends time with her friend Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), a waitress who used to be a fellow showgirl. She has a past with Eddie (Dave Bautista), the producer of the revue, who seems to be both frustrated by her and also someone who looks out for her. It’s a life, to be sure, but one that’s coming to an end.
When Shelly’s estranged daughter Hannah (Billie Lourd) re-enters her life, it’s touch and go to form a new connection, though that’s put to the test when Shelly learns that her revue is closing. Fretting about what’s next, she begins auditioning around Las Vegas, learning that the town looks very differently upon a seasoned showgirl these days.
Pamela Anderson has never been given an opportunity like this before. She leans into the role with gusto, never making the character anything less than real. Anderson is very impressive, while Dave Bautista is also as good as ever in a surprisingly tender role. Jamie Lee Curtis gets to go big with her boozy broad, while Billie Lourd and Brenda Song are solid, if not given a terribly large amount to do. Supporting players include Jason Schwartzman, Kiernan Shipka, and more, but it’s Anderson’s show.
Director Gia Coppola and writer Kate Gersten tell a familiar story, but at the same time, they seem to get the details right. These are blue collar men and women, just trying to make it work, which Coppola and Gersten recognize. There are never overly manufactured moments, either, giving you a sense that this all could be happening. Now, we’ve seen almost all of the plot elements before, but they’re done in a way that never comes off as imitation.
The Last Showgirl has a real working class vibe that serves it well over the course of 85 minutes. It’s all about Pamela Anderson here, but the surrounding elements are strong enough that you’re not simply watching the film for her. The movie isn’t going to blow you away, but there’s more than enough here to warrant a recommendation.
SCORE: ★★★
Comments
Loading…