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We all have a passion, be it our career, building LEGO, or collecting vinyls, so we would be devastated if that was taken away from us. It becomes a part of our identity, an intregral part of who we are, and losing that would change who we are. Gia Coppola's new film tackles this idea through Las Vegas showgirls.
'The Last Showgirl' follows Shelly (Pamela Anderson, TV's 'Baywatch'), a seasoned showgirl who has been headlining a Las Vegas revue show for decades. She is an experienced pro who has a passion for the job, while her young co-workers, Mary-Anne (Brenda Song, 'The Social Network', 'Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior') and Jodie (Kiernan Shipka, 'Twisters', 'Longlegs'), see it as a job. Their producer, Eddie (Dave Bautista, 'Dune: Part Two', 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise) informs them that in a few weeks, the show will be closing and everyone will be out of a job. For Shelly, this causes her whole world to crumble, and for the first time is facing losing her dream. She is also maintaining her friendship with Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis, 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', 'Halloween' franchise), a former showgirl with a gambling addiction, and reconnecting with her daughter Hannah (Billie Lourd, 'Ticket to Paradise', 'Booksmart').
'The Last Showgirl' is aided by a career-defining performance by Pamela Anderson. She is so truly captivating and gives such an emotionally raw performance. The acting across the board is the shining star of this film, with everyone really bringing their all; the star-studded cast is truly the driving force here. Where the film faults is the script.
The script in its short 89-minute run time struggles to flesh out every idea it thinks it's tackling. A lot of the subtext is put on the viewer and knowing this is Anderson as the big leading star in her return to acting. The film also feels almost exclusively shot in close-ups and it makes us feel like we are never let into this world. It creates a claustrophobic atmosphere and we miss out on being transported to the world of the showgirl. I want to see these stunning costumes; I want to be in the dressing room on the stage but we never get to really fall into this world. The film also never shows the showgirls performing until the very end, another aspect that feels lacking. I want to be let in, I want to be in this world, but the film never allows that. Also with the short run time, we don't have the time to really finish Shelly's story, we don't know if she will be okay with not being a showgirl anymore, we fall in love with her only to not be taken on her full journey.
I want to be let in, I want to be in this world, but the film never allows that.
On performances alone 'The Last Showgirl' is truly phenomenal, but when the script isn't supporting these actors it just comes across as lacklustre. See it for Anderson but don't expect a fully fleshed-out story.
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