If you were asked to name some of the best actresses of the past few decades, it is highly unlikely that Pamela Anderson would spring to mind.
Starring in the television series Baywatch ultimately pigeon-holed Anderson, and subsequent movie roles did little to shake off the notion that acting was not really her forte.
However, early teasers for the upcoming film The Last Showgirl suggest Anderson may have delivered a performance that will force critics to rethink.
It is fair to say that visitors to Las Vegas count going to the casinos and playing slots as a major bucket list activity for that city, and for fans of Las Vegas, the new movie gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the employees that make the city’s attractions – especially the casinos – possible for tourists.
Anderson plays a veteran showgirl who is forced to plan a new future after her show abruptly closes after 38 years. While the glamour aspect is familiar territory, the storyline is not.
Her role as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway in 2022 can now be viewed as the perfect preparation for a role that should change the public perception of Anderson.
Director Gia Coppola expertly weaves her away around a story that draws on Anderson’s life experiences without ever truly venturing into some of its seedier aspects.
Anderson acknowledges that the film is not exploitive or about overt sexuality but is a touching story about human resilience across different generations.
The 57-year-old has praised the work done by screenwriter Kate Gersten, who conducted in-depth research into Vegas showgirl culture to ensure the film is accurate.
Some film buffs have likened The Last Showgirl to the Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman musical Follies, which is extremely high praise.
Anderson admits she understands why the connection has been made and says she is naturally drawn to musically themed films such as Dirty Dancing and Flashdance.
She has clearly learned something from the main characters in those movies in her portrayal of Shelly, commanding the screen in a way many people thought was beyond her.
Previous life experiences have undoubtedly moulded Anderson into someone who fully understands the impact she can have on the people around her.
As she hurtles towards the supposed veteran stage of her career, Anderson is understandably keen for people to recognise the key messages delivered in The Last Showgirl.
“I’ve been sexualised and objectified in my life and career, but I don’t want to be defined by what has been done to me – I want to be defined by what I do,” she told Deadline.
“And I feel like I do mentor a lot of women in this industry who have gone down a path that is a scary kind of path.
“And I’ve helped a lot of women, and I have nieces and my sons have girlfriends, and I wonder in this culture, what’s enough? What does it take to entertain somebody?
“The things that happened to me were really hard on me when my personal life was exploited. And it really was hard on me for a couple of decades. It took me a long time to, or I don’t think you ever really get over it.”
