Pamela Anderson’s ‘The Last Showgirl’ Spotlights The Treatment of Women in Showbiz

Actress Pamela Anderson’s career has been reignited after the release of The Last Showgirl, a dark and heartbreaking story about the degradation of women in showbiz as they get older.

Directed by Gia Coppola, the story centres on Shelley (Pamela Anderson), a hardworking and dedicated 50-something-year-old showgirl who has been notified that the show she has been performing in for over 30 years will be closing in two weeks.

“Our show is legendary,” she states upon learning the shocking news. “It’s a dinosaur!” somebody in production responds. Times have changed and so have people’s tastes in entertainment.

“Las Vegas treated us as movie stars. We were ambassadors for grace and style – the iconic American showgirl,” Shelley proudly states in a poignant scene which clearly expresses the deep love and pride she feels for her profession.

This movie deals with ageing and fading dreams. How does a seasoned showgirl who has been stagnant in one production for so many years plan her future? Will she ever perform in another production? Is she really a good dancer?

A very awkward scene in which Shelley auditions for a new show may highlight what goes on within the auditioning processes in the real world – the degrading and venomous reaction to her dance routine should leave audiences feeling shocked and extremely uncomfortable.

Audiences who expect to watch a movie with lengthy showgirl musical sequences may be disappointed, as the majority of the story explores the lives of these women who live and work there, but away from the stage.

It’s a very human story – the mundane moments, the problems of raising a daughter as a single parent and their current mother/daughter relationship being one of the prime storylines. The characters feel real, and audiences should quickly learn that people in show business have a real life once their makeup is removed, happy and sad moments intertwined.

Reportedly filmed over 18 days, it’s apparent this movie was produced on a very low budget – audiences should see and feel it, but this element is actually a blessing as it compounds to the narrative’s sense of gloom and realism.

Jamie Lee Curtis plays the role of Annette, Shelley’s bestie who knows only too well the hardships that getting older bestows on women in the world of showbiz.

There has been some debate as to why Pamela Anderson was snubbed at this year’s Oscars for her performance in the category of Best Actress – but was she really snubbed? Admittedly she delivered a good performance, much better than all her years on worldwide TV hit Baywatch which concentrated predominantly on her physique, but her performance in The Last Showgirl was not a standout that merited Oscar consideration.

Ultimately audiences are left to ponder the several themes which resonate. Getting old – we’ll all be there one day. We must also move forward in life and adapt to change, but most importantly, we must respect our elders.

The Last Showgirl

*** 1/2

In Cinemas February 20