The Last Showgirl (2024)

The Last Showgirl (2024). 1h 28m | R

“THE LAST SHOWGIRL would probably make a great double bill with DEATH OF A SALESMAN, in that they both explore the consequences of having superficial values. Pamela Anderson stars as Shelley, a veteran Las Vegas performer in a u0026quot;boobs-and-feathers show.u0026quot; Sheu0026#39;s been a showgirl in a revue called u0026quot;Razzle Dazzleu0026quot; for 30 years, but u0026quot;Razzle Dazzleu0026quot; is now dated and no longer sells tickets. Whatu0026#39;s she going to do now that the show is closing? Sheu0026#39;s a mediocre dancer and her youth is gone. She has no practical skills to make a living. All she has lived for is the u0026quot;glamour of show business.u0026quot; Her u0026quot;marriageu0026quot; was a failure, she was a terrible mother, her friendships were superficial. There is not much plot, but itu0026#39;s a brilliant character study. Despite the lack of a real plot, director Gia Coppola has given it a level of intensity that kept me rapt with attention for the filmu0026#39;s 90-minute length. In the role of a selfish woman with trashy values, Ms. Anderson is quite believable, as are the dazzling supporting cast, which includes Kiernan Shipka (as a child actress, she played Don Draperu0026#39;s daughter on MAD MEN) and Brenda Song as young showgirl co-workers, Dave Bautista as the showu0026#39;s stage manager (and a previous lover), Billie Lourd, as her recently estranged daughter, and especially Jamie Lee Curtis as a former showgirl who is now a beat-up-looking cocktail waitress. This, to me is the best ensemble cast of a movie of the entire year. Kudos to all! Cinematography, music, and art direction are excellent. This film is certainly worth seeing because it raises a lot of questions about American values. Iu0026#39;d recommend it.”