Tropic Sprockets / The Last Showgirl

By Ian Brockway

Gia Coppola (Palo Alto) gives an authentic portrait of Las Vegas life with existential angst in “The Last Showgirl.”  [Showtimes and trailer at TropicCinema.com]  While not the most original of narratives, the film nevertheless gives a fine representation of what it might be like under the harsh glare of Las Vegas, a land of buildings without windows.

The film concerns Shelly (Pamela Anderson), a long-time dancer in an old school burlesque show. Out of the blue, show producer Eddie (Dave Bautista) informs Shelly and the crew that the revue has been cut after decades on the stage.

Shelly is devastated. She attempts to reconnect with her estranged daughter (Billie Lourd), but she is opaque and distant. Shelley’s only friend is a nonchalant beverage server (Jamie Lee Curtis) and a younger performer, Mary-Anne (Brenda Song).

Though the film is predictable, Anderson inhabits this role, infusing it with sadness and haunt and she carries the film.

Jamie Lee Curtis also shines as a weathered server who has mastered a neutral devil may care attitude. A scene in the film is a commentary on her dancing in “Perfect” (1985), a statement on the mercurial passing of time.

There are some excellent touches. Las Vegas itself resembles a Martian landscape with a giantess of a blond fairy watching over all and inspiring fear while the acting is first rate and never false. The only thing the film lacks is a bit of humor. The somber plot unfolds like a Valentine created by photographer Diane Arbus.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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