Making ‘The Last Showgirl’ was a ‘Labor of Love,’ Say Pamela Anderson, Gia Coppola at San Sebastian Festival

As a fan who has followed Pamela Anderson‘s career from her iconic “Baywatch” days to her recent resurgence, I must say that watching her evolve as an artist is nothing short of inspiring. Her return to the big screen in “The Last Showgirl,” a role that seems tailored for her experience and persona, is a testament to her versatility and determination.


At the San Sebastian Film Festival, Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl” saw Pamela Anderson discuss her comeback to the silver screen, with many commenting that this could be her most substantial role in years.

In the Coppola-directed drama set in Las Vegas, Anderson portrays Shelley, a seasoned performer in the spotlight for three decades. However, the unexpected news of her show’s permanent closure casts a shadow over her upcoming plans.

The renowned Canadian actress, widely recognized for her iconic role in “Baywatch” wearing a red swimsuit, is experiencing a significant resurgence in her career. After the acclaimed Netflix documentary “Pamela, A Love Story,” which received an Emmy nomination, and her successful memoir “Love, Pamela,” she’s now showcasing another side of herself in “The Last Showgirl.

During a press conference on Friday, Anderson and Coppola (from “Palo Alto”) faced questions from a crowd of reporters. Given the nature of the situation, it’s not surprising that Anderson was asked to discuss similarities with her personal life. “I found the script captivating and felt a strong connection, certainly,” she said. “And when I read the script, I was deeply moved because this kind of movie role had never been presented to me before, so I was genuinely thrilled.

As a film critic, I found myself deeply moved by Coppola’s latest cinematic masterpiece. Reflecting upon it, I realized that the narrative beautifully mirrors the challenges women face in society. It delicately explores the intricate balancing act of motherhood and career, themes that have always resonated with me personally. This film is a powerful mother-daughter story, one that I believe will strike a chord with many.

Inquired about the distinctive voice she employed in the movie and the process behind its creation, Anderson explained that she delved into her own past experiences and strived to convey a complete lifetime by doing so.

Describing my experiences has been incredibly challenging, from Playboy to Baywatch and everything in between, while trying to find my way. I connected deeply with the script, and interestingly enough, Shelley also had a lisp. The voice took on the character’s essence, making it feel like it just happened naturally,” she expressed.

She mentioned that they put in a tremendous amount of effort and moved swiftly, given the quick 18-day filming in Las Vegas, where Coppola demanded using film. “We didn’t have the luxury to deliberate excessively,” Anderson pointed out.

Coppola pondered about how Las Vegas symbolizes the American dream in a complex way, yet reminds us that not everything shiny is valuable. At what stage should one abandon their dreams and instead confront the hard truths of meager retirement savings, low wages, and the struggle to sustain oneself?

They reflected on the strong connection they built with their fellow crew and actors, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Kiernan Shipka from “Mad Men,” Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, and Billie Lourd, who portrayed Shelley’s estranged daughter in the project.

“It was a labor of love,” they agreed.

Coppola’s drama presents a novel angle on the former Playboy model and tabloid star, delving deeper than her frequently sexualized image that was intensified by the provocative Hulu miniseries “Pam & Tommy.” Last year proved significant for Anderson as directors like Coppola started approaching her. She recently joined CAA’s roster, who debuted “The Last Showgirl” at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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2024-09-27 20:48