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.

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,