‘The Last Showgirl’ review: Pamela Anderson gives Oscar-worthy performance in moving drama

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Shelly (Pamela Anderson) is auditioning, possibly for the first time in years, in a particularly nerve-wracking endeavor. She's been working on the Las Vegas strip's Le Razzle Dazzle revue show for over three decades as its centerpiece, with a prominent spot on its poster and stage. However, with the passing years, Shelly has slid into the background, replaced by younger women, Mary Anne (Brenda Song) and Jodie (Kiernan Shipka), who have taken the lead roles.

The film showcases Anderson's artistic taste primarily through close-ups of his face, making him the visual centerpiece of the scene, or during quiet moments alone that act as transitional scenes to the next sequence.

She exercises, practicing ballet alongside them. These scenes, though, tell us the most about the characters' vulnerabilities: how they remember their once good looks, and, even more directly, face the reality that all good things must come to an end.

Case in point: Le Razzle Dazzle's producer, Eddie (Dave Bautista), informs Shelly that the show will be closing in two weeks and will be replaced by a newer, more modern burlesque act. What was once a secure and stable profession for Shelly and the other performers is about to disappear, causing her to wonder if it was all worth it when it ends. As she ponders this question, she decides to reach out to her estranged daughter, Hannah (Billie Lourd), who has been living with Shelly's sister since Shelly chose her career over raising a family.

Hannah shows up unexpectedly at her front door and is reunited with her mother, but their reunion is strained because Hannah is still upset that her mother abandoned her for a show that no one wants to see. A production that her mother has been working on for a while, but with a mostly empty audience, is only showing off outdated acts that remind everyone of a bygone era of entertainment. Despite the show's failure, the mother is still very enthusiastic about it and only agreed to meet Hannah when the show was ending.

Pamela Anderson Takes Center Stage

the performance earned her a nomination for a Worst Actress Golden Razzie Award, irreparably damaging her film career before it had a chance to launch.

Anderson finally demonstrates what kind of actress she truly is, beyond the unfavorable labels she faced for most of her career. It's because she never had the chance to showcase her actual acting abilities in meaningful films, so it's impossible to call her performance in Shelly a "comeback." Her portrayal of Shelly is one of the most sincere and sorrowful lead roles ever seen in a film, as Anderson brings a radiant, infectious smile and a lively, youthful personality to each scene. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that these qualities serve as a shield for her deep-seated insecurities and regret from a lifelong struggle with the pressures of fame.

In just under 90 minutes, or 80 minutes without the credits, she creates a character so powerful and relatable that the final scene hits hard, leaving an uncertain yet hopeful feeling for Shelly's future, with no idea what's next, but determined to see it play out on her own terms.

The lingering shots of Anderson's face are the most impactful and emotionally charged because they delve into the depths of Shelly's inner world, drawing the audience into her life-altering journey as the spotlight fades.

Pamela Anderson - this is who she has always been, and what she has always wanted to share with the world. Now, the spotlight is on her, and no one else's.

The Last Showgirl It is currently showing in select movie theaters, with an expanded release planned for January 17.

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