Pop Culture Happy Hour: "The Last Showgirl And What's Making Us Happy" - Detailed Summary
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Hosts and Guests:
- Stephen Thompson (Host)
- Aisha Harris (Host)
- Brittany Luce (Guest, Host of NPR's It's Been a Minute)
- Kate Young (Guest, Podcast Producer and Film/Culture Critic)
Discussion on "The Last Showgirl"
Overview of the Film: Stephen Thompson introduces The Last Showgirl as a poignant exploration of aging, parenthood, and the harsh realities of show business. Pamela Anderson stars as Shelly, a Las Vegas showgirl nearing the end of her lengthy career with the French-inspired revue, La Razzle Dazzle. The narrative delves into Shelly’s strained relationship with her daughter, portrayed by Billie Lourd, and the impending closure of her beloved show, announced by co-worker Eddie, played by Dave Bautista.
Aisha Harris on "The Last Showgirl" [02:01]: Aisha draws parallels between Shelly and Norma Desmond from Sunset Boulevard, highlighting Shelly's deteriorating grip on reality. She praises Anderson's performance, stating:
“I dug it. I really enjoy this performance... I think it was probably one of my favorite movies of 2024.” [02:35]
Aisha appreciates the film's simplicity and its commentary on being a woman in show business and motherhood, both biological and surrogate.
Kate Young’s Perspective [03:18]: Kate aligns The Last Showgirl with other contemporary films like The Substance and Maria, which tackle themes of aging and identity. She reflects on Shelly's existential crisis as her career wanes, leading to personal sacrifices, especially her relationship with her daughter. Kate emphasizes the film’s examination of the disposability of older women in the industry:
“What that means for their disposability.” [04:15]
Brittany Luce’s Take [04:16]: Brittany commends Pamela Anderson's acting over the film’s overall execution. While acknowledging the predictable plot, she lauds the depth and quality of Anderson's portrayal:
“I liked Pamela Anderson's performance more than... the depth and the quality of Pamela Anderson’s performance.” [04:34]
Brittany values the casting choices, highlighting supporting actors like Brenda Song and Kiernan Shipka, and expresses a desire for more character depth from Shelly.
Stephen Thompson’s Critique [05:56]: Stephen offers a mixed review, appreciating the character study but critiquing the film's lack of a coherent plot. He feels the movie serves as a "character sketch" without fully developing the narrative:
“I wish I liked this movie more than I did... It's the kind of movie that... doesn’t cohere into anything more than just a sense of, like, here's this person.” [06:07]
He discusses the film’s exploration of the entertainment industry’s tendency to "chew people up and spit them out," and laments the telegraphed plot developments.
Further Insights and Performances [07:37 - 18:11]: The conversation deepens as Kate disagrees with Stephen's view, arguing that the film effectively portrays the differing relationships the female characters have with their own disposability:
“Across these female characters, it's about their different relationships to that disposability and what that means.” [07:43]
Aisha underscores the film’s balance between Shelly's optimism and delusion, appreciating its honesty in depicting her character's vulnerabilities. Brittany echoes the sentiment, noting moments where Shelly's delusions intersect with her genuine feelings, though she points out a lack of insight into Shelly's motivation as an artist.
Kate discusses Jamie Lee Curtis's role, praising her portrayal of a character who contrasts Shelly by facing harsh realities while maintaining self-possession. This dynamic enriches the narrative by providing varied perspectives on aging and relevance in show business.
Stephen connects The Last Showgirl to other art-focused films like The Wrestler and Ed Wood, highlighting its thematic resonance but reiterates his desire for a more engaging plot.
"What's Making Us Happy This Week" Segment
1. Demi Moore’s Golden Globes Speech [20:56]: Kate celebrates Demi Moore's heartfelt speech at the Golden Globes for her role in The Substance. She highlights Moore's candid acknowledgment of her career as a "popcorn actress" and her aspirations for industry recognition:
“Having her be able to win this award... is a really, really fun and interesting part of her narrative for this season.” [20:56]
Kate views this moment as a hopeful sign of Moore's career renaissance.
2. Emily Henry’s "Funny Story" [22:11]: Brittany shares her delight in finishing Emily Henry's Funny Story, a romance novel that combines humor and sweetness. She describes the book as:
“So darn cute... a great book to cure that [post-holiday doldrums].” [22:49]
Brittany recommends it as an uplifting read for anyone seeking a feel-good narrative.
3. Marianne Jean-Baptiste in "Hard Truths" [23:33]: Aisha expresses her admiration for Hard Truths, a character-driven film directed by Mike Lee. She praises Marianne Jean-Baptiste's portrayal of Pansy, a woman grappling with pervasive anger and irritability. Aisha also commends Michelle Austin's performance as Chantel, Pansy's contrasting sister, noting:
“Michelle Austin... gives such a stunning performance.” [23:33]
Aisha anticipates the film's impact during awards season, lauding its deep character studies.
4. Middle Kids’ "Faith Crisis Part One" [24:54]: Stephen Thompson reveals his newfound appreciation for Sydney-based band Middle Kids and their album Faith Crisis Part One. He showcases their song "Highlands":
“This song is already a soundtrack to my life in 2025...” [25:51]
Stephen praises Hannah Joy's vocals and the band's ability to craft relatable anthems, highlighting the album as a key source of his current happiness.
Conclusion
The Last Showgirl serves as a focal point for Pop Culture Happy Hour’s exploration of aging and relevance in the entertainment industry, sparking diverse opinions among the hosts and guests. While Aisha and Kate commend the film's thematic depth and performances, Brittany and Stephen offer a more critical perspective on its narrative execution. The episode seamlessly transitions to the uplifting “What’s Making Us Happy” segment, where each participant shares personal sources of joy, ranging from heartfelt speeches and beloved literature to compelling films and evocative music.
Notable Quotes:
- Aisha Harris [02:35]: “I think it was probably one of my favorite movies of 2024.”
- Kate Young [07:43]: “Across these female characters, it's about their different relationships to that disposability and what that means.”
- Brittany Luce [04:34]: “I liked Pamela Anderson's performance more than... the depth and the quality of Pamela Anderson’s performance.”
- Stephen Thompson [06:07]: “It's the kind of movie that... doesn’t cohere into anything more than just a sense of, like, here's this person.”
Timestamp Highlights:
- 00:30 - 01:31: Introduction to The Last Showgirl and its main characters.
- 02:01 - 09:49: In-depth discussion and analysis of the film by Aisha, Kate, Brittany, and Stephen.
- 19:22 - 25:55: Transition to "What's Making Us Happy," with each host sharing their happy moments.
- 25:51 - 26:41: Stephen shares his musical discovery contributing to the week's happiness.
Pop Culture Happy Hour continues to engage listeners with insightful discussions on the latest in movies, TV, music, and more, while fostering a community of shared opinions and recommendations.