However, the announcement that the show is closing sets off a story of somber reflection.
The film keeps the focus on Shelly throughout, highlighting the emotional toll that her passions have cost her.
This sets upThe Last Showgirl’s surprisingly somber but effective ending and givesPamela Anderson her best performance ever.
ThroughoutThe Last Showgirl, Shelly wrestles with the changing world and culture that surrounds her profession as a dancer.
This makes her distress and denial over the show closing far more personal.
Eddie represents a different path for Shelly, one with more domestic stability.
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon
This is represented by the reveal that Eddie will keep his job as a stage manager at the theater.
This plays into Shelly’s self-destructive tendencies with her other major relationships in the film.
Although Shelly clearly loves her college-bound daughter, Hannah, their relationship is very strained.
The Last Showgirl follows Hannah, a seasoned performer coping with the end of her dance show career after thirty-five years. As she seeks a new purpose, she also works to strengthen the bond with her estranged daughter.
Their relationship strains even further throughout the film, despite their efforts to reconcile.
Making matters worse, Shelly also becomes a quasi-mother figure to the younger dancers Mary-Anne and Jodie.
Shelly’s audition opens the film, before cutting back to the prior weeks.
The film ends with the last show, highlighting how Shelly still feels fulfilled even if the show ends.
The film is a somber reflection on how dreams and ambitions can come to disappointing and blunt endings.
Shelly’s future is unclear, her career prospects in question following her audition.
However,Gia Coppola’sThe Last Showgirlis more bittersweet than overtly tragic.
This givesThe Last Showgirlsome of its most potent and powerful emotional strength.
You know her because Coppola makes you see the woman whos been there from the start.
All you have to do is open your eyes and heart to her dazzle.
Thought it could have used another 10-15 mins of runtime to connect things better.
It makes the ending ofThe Last Showgirlparticularly fitting for Shelly and the audience that has been watching her story.
As she seeks a new purpose, she also works to strengthen the bond with her estranged daughter.
