We were distracted. For most of her life, Pamela Anderson was being upstaged by "Pamela Anderson." Then Gia Coppola sent her a screenplay by Kate Gersten, and now Ms. Anderson, having given one of the finest performances of this or any year,

Anderson plays an aging Vegas showgirl in the new movie from Gia Coppola. For so many reasons, it's a role only she could meaningfully deliver.

In one way, “The Last Showgirl” comes across as a very personal production for its star. At the same time, there is a universality to the story that will reach a large audience. This duality makes for a production that is intimately touching while feeling emotionally massive.