As a seasoned film enthusiast with over three decades of cinematic escapades under my belt, I must say that the Toronto International Film Festival has outdone itself this year with the world premiere of “The Last Showgirl.” The sheer star power and poignant narrative have left me utterly captivated.
The 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival increased its glamour and excitement on its second day, with the global debut of “The Last Showgirl,” a captivating drama set in Vegas. This film marks Pamela Anderson’s initial entry into the awards-season debate during her illustrious career.
This movie, directed by Gia Coppola (“Palo Alto”), tells the story of a 30-year dance veteran, who dances in sequins on the last traditional dance floor in the infamous gambling hub, Sin City. Dave Bautista plays the stage manager of this show, who has to inform the dancers that their act will shut down permanently in two weeks. “Mad Men” actress Kiernan Shipka and Brenda Song are the younger generation of dancers who work alongside Anderson, while Billie Lourd portrays her estranged daughter. The recent Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis adds humor to the film as a Vegas cocktail waitress with a permanent tan and frosted lipstick. She has to put up with disrespectful customers and struggle for tips in a casino.
Anderson garnered a standing ovation when she emerged for a question-and-answer session following the conclusion of the movie. Dressed in black pants, a black top, and shaded by dark sunglasses, the actress discussed her transformation from ’90s sex symbol to portraying Shelley, a character who is overlooked in the Vegas scene due to her age. “I’ve been preparing for this role my entire life,” she quipped humorously, causing a wave of laughter. “There has never been anything I felt as passionately about as this film. It was a matter of ‘let’s do it,’ ‘be it,’ and I did just that.
Originally from Canada and famously known for her role in “Baywatch” while wearing a red swimsuit, Pamela Anderson has experienced a remarkable career resurgence following the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary “Pamela, A Love Story” and a best-selling memoir titled “Love Pamela.” The film “Last Showgirl” presents an alternative image of Anderson, who was often reduced to an object in media. However, 2024 proved to be a significant year for Anderson as prominent directors like Coppola showed interest in her. Recently, she has signed with CAA and is marketing “The Last Showgirl” at this year’s TIFF market.
Curtis choked back sobs as she acknowledged the hardships faced by those who work in casinos and support the Las Vegas economy. Many of them live paycheck to paycheck, she pointed out. “Life is incredibly tough for people in Las Vegas,” she said, her voice cracking. “The dreams can turn into a brutally harsh existence, particularly for women.” She also mentioned that Hollywood, with its focus on youth and expendability, isn’t unlike Las Vegas, stating, “I am a product of the same reality.
Lourd said the film gave her a new perspective on her relationship with her mother, the late Carrie Fisher, as well as her mother’s relationship with her grandmother, the late Debbie Reynolds. “I got to understand my mom on a deeper level,” Lourd said of her role playing opposite Anderson. “And Pamela was an absolute gift.” The two actresses then crossed over the stage to hug.
At the Toronto festival, Anderson, who is originally from British Columbia and a Canadian native, found a sense of homecoming. Despite continuous rain outside, the atmosphere within the Princess of Wales Theatre remained undimmed. In one particular scene, Anderson experienced an embarrassing audition where a producer abruptly halted her dance routine and mistakenly addressed her while stating that she was no longer youthful or alluring enough.
“I’m 57 and I’m beautiful, you son of a bitch,” she says, drawing whoops from the audience.
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2024-09-07 01:18