At the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Jamie Lee Curtis was overcome with emotion during the world premiere of her latest film, The Last Showgirl. The event, buzzing with anticipation and excitement, turned into a deeply personal moment for Curtis. As the credits rolled and the lights came up, Curtis addressed the audience, her voice trembling with tears.
"We had never seen it, so we're sharing that moment with you," Curtis said, her voice choked with emotion. She referenced a poignant Nanci Griffith song, "It’s a Hard Life Wherever You Go," which resonates deeply with the film's themes. "It’s a really hard life for people, and in Vegas, it’s a really hard life," she added, encapsulating the film’s exploration of life's grittier side.
The film, directed by Gia Coppola, follows the story of Shelley, a veteran Las Vegas entertainer played by Pamela Anderson. After three decades of dazzling audiences, Shelley faces a stark new reality when her show suddenly closes. Curtis steps into the role of Annette, a cocktail waitress with a shared past as a showgirl in Le Razzle Dazzle, the last hurrah for showgirls in Sin City. The film is a raw, emotional journey through the highs and lows of chasing dreams, particularly for women.
Curtis described the film's storytelling as profoundly moving. "I just think the poignancy of the storytelling, through [screenwriter] Kate [Gersten]'s words and Gia's direction, and the beautiful camera work, is explicit to see," Curtis noted. "And I am just a product of that same reality. You know who Annette is—every single one of you know an Annette." Her words underscored the universal theme of the film: the relentless pursuit of dreams and the often harsh reality that follows.
Adding a touch of humor to the emotional moment, Curtis shared her experience preparing for her role. "A spray tan helps a lot," she joked, wiping away tears. "I’d never had one before. And you have to stand there and they put it everywhere. I had never done that, but I'll shut up and stop crying." Her candidness about the less glamorous aspects of her preparation added a relatable and lighthearted moment to the emotional evening.
Pamela Anderson, also present for the Q&A, reflected on her journey to embodying her character. "I've been getting ready my whole life for this role," she revealed. "Also, it’s the first time I ever read a good script. I never had a script given to me that was coherent. So I was like, 'I’m the only one who can do this.' I've never felt that strongly about something… After that I thought, 'You know what, I have nothing to lose. I’m just going to do it. Just be it.'"
Anderson's candid remarks highlight the significance of the role and the film's impact on her. Her statement, filled with conviction and a sense of destiny, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of The Last Showgirl. The film not only explores the struggles and triumphs of its characters but also serves as a reflection on the broader challenges faced by those pursuing their dreams, particularly in the often unforgiving world of entertainment.
Overall, the premiere of The Last Showgirl was not just a celebration of a new film but a heartfelt exchange between the cast and the audience, marked by powerful emotions and genuine reflections on the harsh realities and fleeting joys of the showbiz world.
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