The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has been renowned for showcasing many remarkable comeback stories over the years. Just two years ago, the festival audience celebrated Brendan Fraser for his stirring performance in “The Whale.” This year, another unexpected yet equally inspiring comeback story is unfolding, and it involves none other than Pamela Anderson.
On Friday, esteemed filmmaker Gia Coppola introduced her latest project, “The Last Showgirl,” at TIFF. This independent drama approaches the life of an aging Las Vegas showgirl, portrayed by 57-year-old Anderson. The character, Shelley, is the enduring star of a dwindling casino dance show famed for its scantily clad, feather-adorned performers. With audience numbers diminishing, the show’s stage manager, played by Dave Bautista, announces that their final performance is imminent, leaving Shelley – who holds a deep belief in the show’s value – to contemplate her future options.
Despite its mixed critical reviews, “The Last Showgirl” received a warm reception, culminating in an enthusiastic applause for Anderson at the Princess of Wales Theatre after the premiere. Some believe that the critical divide stems partly from differing opinions on the movie’s exploration of aging and the entertainment industry.
In an emotionally charged speech following the film’s debut, Anderson admitted, “I’ve been getting ready my whole life for this role.” For the actress, known largely for her roles in “Baywatch” and “Borat,” receiving such festival acclaim was an entirely new experience. The mere act of receiving a well-crafted script like “The Last Showgirl” represented a significant departure from her past roles.
“The first time I’ve read a good script, first of all. I’ve never had a script come to me that was coherent,” Anderson shared candidly. “I was like: I’m the only one that can do this. I’ve never felt that strongly about something.”
Indeed, “The Last Showgirl” marks a continuation of an increasingly positive trajectory for the former Playboy Playmate. This revival began with her well-received 2023 memoir, “Love, Pamela,” and continued with the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary, “Pamela, A Love Story.” These projects hint at a renewed interest in the deeper, more nuanced facets of Anderson’s life and persona.
Interestingly, “The Last Showgirl” parallels themes found in another TIFF entry, the body horror film “The Substance” starring Demi Moore.
. Both films grapple with agism and the harsh realities faced by female entertainers, reflecting deeper societal issues around aging and gender. This thematic convergence at TIFF underscores the growing recognition of these significant challenges.
During an emotional discussion about her character, Jamie Lee Curtis, who portrays a heavily bronzed casino waitress in “The Last Showgirl,” offered her perspective on the film’s narrative. “I’m just a product of that same reality,” Curtis reflected. “You know who Annette is. Every single one of you know an Annette. It’s a movie about dreams and going after your dreams. But of course, the dreams become a really (expletive) harsh reality. And for women, it’s a really harsh reality that men don’t have as much.”
Curtis’s insights highlighted the film’s hard-hitting portrayal of the entertainment industry’s brutality, particularly towards female performers as they age. Nonetheless, she retained a sense of humor, adding with a grin, “And a spray tan helps.”
The launch of “The Last Showgirl” at TIFF signifies a pivotal moment for Pamela Anderson. Both she and her fans hope that this film will serve as a cornerstone in her ongoing resurgence in the entertainment industry. The reception at the festival suggests that the audience is ready to see Anderson in a new light – as an actress capable of profound depth and emotion.
The journey from iconic sex symbol to a respected actress grappling with complex roles hasn’t been an easy one for Anderson. Yet, her heartfelt performance in “The Last Showgirl” indicates that she is ready to embrace this new chapter of her career. As the film continues to seek distribution and wider audiences, its initial reception at TIFF is a promising sign for both Anderson and the filmmakers.
Ultimately, “The Last Showgirl” is not just a story of a fading showgirl but a reflection of Anderson’s own tenacity and resilience. At TIFF, it became clear that Pamela Anderson’s career revival is not just a personal victory but an inspiration to many who believe in the power of reinvention and the pursuit of passion, no matter the odds.
