Pamela Anderson takes center stage in “The Last Showgirl,” a poignant drama directed by Gia Coppola, exploring the life of a veteran Las Vegas showgirl confronting the abrupt end of her thirty-year career. The film, opening nationwide, delves into the emotional turmoil of Shelly, played by Anderson, as she grapples with the unexpected closure of her long-running show. Alongside Anderson, the cast features Jamie Lee Curtis as Annette, Shelly’s steadfast friend and former colleague, navigating her own struggles in a dead-end job. The ensemble also includes Kiernan Shipka and Brenda Song as fellow showgirls, and Billie Lourd as Shelly’s estranged daughter, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Coppola, granddaughter of the renowned Francis Ford Coppola, helms this exploration of resilience and the challenges faced by those whose livelihoods vanish in the blink of an eye.
“The Last Showgirl” has garnered significant recognition for Anderson’s performance, earning her nominations for Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role from the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama at the Golden Globes. Jamie Lee Curtis also received a SAG nomination for Outstanding Female in a Supporting Role. These accolades underscore the film’s impact and the compelling portrayal of its characters. The movie has resonated with critics, earning an 80% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising Anderson’s dramatic turn and the film’s homage to the working class of Las Vegas. Audience reception has also been positive, reflected in a 73% “fresh” rating on the platform’s Popcornmeter.
Critical responses to “The Last Showgirl” have been mixed, even among those who ultimately gave the film positive reviews. Peter Travers of ABC News lauded Anderson’s “quietly devastating performance” while acknowledging the film’s thin plot. Similarly, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praised Anderson’s transformative acting despite finding certain aspects of her character, such as the breathy voice and constant dialogue, somewhat tiresome. These reviews highlight the film’s strength in Anderson’s portrayal of Shelly, even as they acknowledge potential weaknesses in other areas.
While many critics acknowledge the power of Anderson’s performance, some offer more critical assessments of the film as a whole. Odie Henderson of the Boston Globe, for instance, praised Anderson’s acting as “very, very good,” but ultimately gave the film a “rotten” rating due to what he considered a “bad screenplay.” This sentiment echoes a common thread among some negative reviews – a disconnect between the strength of the performances and the perceived shortcomings of the script. The potential of Anderson’s performance seems to be a point of agreement, even as critics diverge on the overall merit of the film.
Variety’s Peter Debruge also offered a “rotten” review, suggesting that while the film aims to showcase the humanity and struggles of showgirls, it falls short in fully realizing their complexities. This critique points to a potential missed opportunity in exploring the deeper dimensions of the characters and their world. The film’s attempt to elevate the often-overlooked lives of these performers is commendable, yet some critics feel it doesn’t fully achieve its ambition. The divide in critical opinion underlines the complexities of evaluating “The Last Showgirl” – appreciating the performances while grappling with the perceived limitations of the narrative.
“The Last Showgirl” emerges as a film centered on Pamela Anderson’s transformative performance, capturing the emotional journey of a woman facing an unexpected career upheaval. While lauded for its portrayal of the working class in Las Vegas and the compelling lead performance, the film has also drawn criticism for its plot and underdeveloped characters. The contrasting perspectives highlight the film’s strengths and weaknesses, making it a subject of ongoing discussion among critics and audiences alike. As the film opens nationwide, viewers have the opportunity to form their own opinions on this poignant portrayal of a showgirl’s life and the challenges of navigating an uncertain future.
