Call it the effects of nepotism, but I could not resist seeing what a Coppola offspring has to offer cinema. As I perused the schedule of this year’s festival, I saw the name Gia Coppola and knew that I had to see what Francis’ granddaughter had to offer to the medium of film. Though this is not her feature debut, I had never previously watched any of Gia Coppola’s prior works. However, one thing stood out as I read the synopsis and cast list–Pamela Anderson.
I know. Pamela Anderson, the model known for Baywatch, Playboy, and Home Improvement, among other things, is the star of this film. But believe me when I say that there is much more to this cover girl than what we have witnessed in the past. With The Last Showgirl, Pamela Anderson proves that she can act well. On top of this, I was impressed with Gia Coppola’s filmmaking and Kate Gersten’s screenwriting.
Anderson stars as Shelley, a mature Vegas showgirl who has relished her career in “Sin City” for thirty years. Though Shelley has enjoyed her stardom for so long, the long-running show has finally run out of steam and no longer appeals to modern-day Las Vegas tourists. After making many sacrifices, including a functional relationship with her daughter (Billie Lourd), she must accept that her stardom is ending. The movie focuses on her final days as a showgirl and how she and her colleagues must adjust to this significant life change.
The Last Showgirl is one of my favorite films of this year’s festival. The way Gia Coppola and her cinematographers Autumn Durald and Arkapaw capture these emotional and powerful moments gives the film a raw and gritty feel. This style works perfectly, given that this film captures the last days of a showgirl’s career, whose stardom has faded and who must now face an uncertain future. The cast’s writing and acting, though, help deliver the film’s poignancy in some genuinely powerful ways.
Pamela Anderson’s excellent performance blew me away. She is not only perfectly cast as Shelley but also brings genuine heart and emotions to her character. It is easy to dismiss Anderson as another dimensionless Barbie doll, but she brings much soul and passion to this role. I would love to see what else she can do with an acting career in the future. The movie also has incredible performances by Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd.
I cannot wait for more people to watch this movie because I know they will be blown away. The Last Showgirl is one of those unassuming films that is guaranteed to take people by surprise. Pamela Anderson is back and in incredible form as a legitimate actor.