The anticipation for The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola and featuring veteran actresses Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis, is building as the film approaches its limited release date. The storyline delves deep, touching upon themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the societal changes surrounding Las Vegas's glamorous yet complex entertainment culture.
At a recent press conference, director Gia Coppola opened up about the film's core themes, emphasizing the mother-daughter dynamic. "I resonate so much with the mother-daughter aspect. I was raised by a single mom, so I always connected with this element of the story," she shared. This sentiment is pivotal throughout the film, portraying the very real struggles women face, particularly those working as showgirls.
Anderson, known famously for her role on Baywatch, expressed her excitement about the film, stating, "To do the film in 18 days, to really sense all these generations of women hitting certain milestones and seeing their relationships play out was wonderful." Her reflections highlighted the multilayered lives of women on stage who are simultaneously managing personal challenges, underscoring the complexity of their existence—making dinner, dealing with relationship issues, and more.
Jamie Lee Curtis complemented Anderson's thoughts, pointing out the intensity of the industry women navigate. “The reality in Kate Gersten's script shows the reality of what women are up against. Annette’s character is a hustler, much like many of us,” she mentioned, calling attention to the resilience required to survive both personally and professionally.
A key scene discussed involved young actress Kiernan Shipka, whom Anderson’s character encounters at her door. "Anyone can relate to feeling full and unable to give anymore. It's not about being heartless but about choosing oneself at times,” Anderson emphasized, illustrating the balance many women must navigate.
When asked about the most challenging emotional scene, Anderson mentioned the backstage choreography and the emotional connections formed on set. "The connections to each other were so strong,” she noted, describing the magic of the filming process and how emotional such scenes were for her as they unfolded.
The music and dance element of the film also played a significant role. Curtis recounted how her character, Annette, ended up dancing to Total Eclipse of the Heart with little warning after Gia suggested it mid-rehearsal. “There was no rehearsal, no thought—my tights were too small! I had about 10 minutes before we were gonna shoot it, but it turned out beautiful,” Curtis laughed, connecting her spontaneous dance moment to the larger narrative of the film.
On the film's production, Coppola collaborated closely with cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, emphasizing the necessity of capturing the authenticity of their characters. "We wanted to shoot this movie in 16mm to embrace the rawness of the story being told,” Coppola explained, showcasing their unique approach to filmmaking.
The film heavily features references to the showgirls of Las Vegas, which Anderson fearlessly explored with the legendary Jubilee dancers. "They were treated like movie stars, so proud of their art form. We had dressers from the Jubilee guiding us on how to do the quick changes. Those moments were all choreographed steps,” Anderson explained, integrating the cultural history of Las Vegas's showgirls as part of the film's narrative.
Curtis provided insight on how the portrayal of showgirls has diminished over time. She remarked, “What Vegas has become is almost like a circus. It is heartbreaking to see how these women—who represented grace and beauty—are reduced to stereotypes.” This commentary underlines the film’s cultural critique, reflecting the shift from glamour to exploitation within the performance culture.
Anderson reflected on her personal and professional growth through this project, describing the experience as “bittersweet.” She expressed feeling grateful for the role, emphasizing how all of her experiences contributed to portraying her character authentically. “Every image on screen was fully loaded with life experiences,” she stated. “It was unexpected but so gratifying.”
Anticipation continues to grow as The Last Showgirl is set for its limited release across theaters starting December 2024, before going wider in January 2025. With Anderson's strong performance and subsequent award buzz, including nominations for the Golden Globes, it marks what many believe could be a significant renaissance for her career. "It's exciting because I want to keep working,” she noted, hinting at future collaborations with respected directors since the film's premiere.
Anderson, who's enjoyed a resurgence with commendations for her role on stage during Chicago, hopes to continue securing high-profile opportunities. Upcoming projects include titles like The Naked Gun sequel, where she will star alongside Liam Neeson as well as Rosebush Pruning opposite notable actors such as Riley Keough and Elle Fanning. It's apparent Anderson's new roles are attracting serious attention, fostering excitement among fans and industry observers alike.
With its poignant storytelling and culturally significant themes, The Last Showgirl is not just another film; it serves as both a tribute to the past and commentary on present societal norms surrounding women. This convergence of personal journeys, emotional depth, and the glamorous yet taxing world of Las Vegas show business promises to resonate deeply within audiences, establishing itself as one of the notable films of early 2025.
