Kiernan Shipka & Brenda Song talk broken & beautiful in The Last Showgirl

Review Nation
6 Jan 202504:15

Summary

TLDRIn this insightful interview, the speaker reflects on the complex nature of Las Vegas, moving beyond the city's stereotypical image. The conversation delves into the personal stories of characters in a film centered around the lives of showgirls and performers, highlighting themes of reinvention, resilience, and the often-overlooked lives of those who work and live in the city. The speaker discusses the hard realities of life in Vegas, the grind of performers, and the transformative power of embracing authenticity, ultimately portraying Vegas as a city where dreams and reinvention come to life.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Vegas is a city that offers both opportunity and a unique backdrop for storytelling, with characters from different walks of life.
  • 😀 The speaker values backstories and believes that understanding the characters' childhoods and dreams adds depth to their actions and decisions.
  • 😀 Vegas, while known for its nightlife and entertainment, has a rich undercurrent of people who live and work there, creating a complex, often overlooked narrative.
  • 😀 The city of Las Vegas is described as having multiple layers—it's not just a playground for tourists but a home to many with personal, everyday struggles.
  • 😀 The characters in the film being discussed represent a side of Vegas that isn't often seen in media, focusing on the personal journeys of its residents.
  • 😀 The speaker finds the idea of opportunity in Vegas fascinating, as it brings together performers from all over the world in a small, concentrated area.
  • 😀 The process of filming in Vegas and interacting with real performers gave the speaker a glimpse into the tough realities of their lives, including the physical and emotional grind.
  • 😀 The speaker shares that acting in this environment was immersive, with actors staying and working in the same spaces as real performers, adding authenticity to their experience.
  • 😀 Vegas is portrayed not only as a symbol of excitement but also as a place of perseverance and hard work, especially for those in the entertainment industry.
  • 😀 The speaker feels inspired by characters like Pam, who embodies reinvention and the ability to unapologetically be oneself despite external pressures or expectations.

Q & A

  • How does the actor view Las Vegas in the context of the film?

    -The actor views Las Vegas as more than just a city for entertainment and gambling. They see it as a complex, multifaceted place that serves as the perfect backdrop for the characters’ stories. Vegas is portrayed almost as a 'character' in itself, influencing the lives of the people who live and work there.

  • What does the actor emphasize about the backstories of the characters they play?

    -The actor places a strong emphasis on backstory, focusing on understanding the characters’ childhoods, their dreams, and how they ended up in the situations they are in when the audience meets them. This deep exploration allows the actor to give the character more depth and authenticity.

  • How does the actor describe the experience of working in Vegas, particularly in terms of everyday life for performers?

    -The actor describes life in Vegas, especially for performers, as a grind. They note the physical and emotional toll on the dancers and performers, who work hard daily, often at the expense of their well-being. The actor finds it fascinating to get a glimpse into this life, especially since many people only see the glamorous side of Vegas.

  • What did the actor find surprising about the project when they first learned about it?

    -Initially, the actor thought the story would revolve around showgirls in a stereotypical manner, but they were surprised to learn that it was about real people and their personal journeys, not just the typical Vegas fantasy. The film focuses on the complex lives of the people who live and work in Vegas, not just the tourists.

  • What is the actor's view on the diversity of people in Vegas?

    -The actor sees Vegas as a place full of opportunity, where people from all over the world come to perform and pursue their dreams. They point out that Vegas is not just about the strip but also about the stories of the people who are there every day, many of whom are performers living a hard, sometimes unnoticed life.

  • How does the actor describe the physical and emotional toll on the performers in Vegas?

    -The actor explains that the performers' lives are physically and emotionally demanding. They experience a lot of stress on their bodies and minds due to the intense work schedule and the emotional energy required for their performances. It's a tough, often grueling lifestyle that takes a toll on them.

  • How does the actor describe their experience shooting the film in Vegas?

    -The actor describes their experience shooting the film as immersive and unique. They were staying at the Rio, which allowed them to get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of performers in Vegas. They also mention the experience of walking to work in casual clothes with fellow cast members, which gave them a deeper connection to the Vegas life.

  • What insights does the actor share about the concept of 'opportunity' in Vegas?

    -The actor highlights that Vegas represents opportunity, especially for performers from around the world. Every day, people come to Vegas to pursue their dreams, whether it's in a show, a circus, or any other form of performance. The idea of 'opportunity' is central to what draws so many people to the city.

  • How does the actor reflect on the concept of personal reinvention in the context of their character?

    -The actor reflects on the idea of personal reinvention through their character, Pam, who inspires them to be unapologetically themselves. They mention that playing such a character made them realize the importance of constantly reinventing oneself, both personally and professionally, and not being constrained by external expectations.

  • What does the actor mean by having a 'screw you' moment internally?

    -The actor describes having an internal 'screw you' moment when they feel that others try to define or limit them. This reflects the struggle of maintaining personal authenticity in a world full of external pressures and expectations. It’s a moment of asserting self-worth and rejecting the limitations others may impose.

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Étiquettes Connexes
Las VegasPersonal JourneyVegas CulturePerformersBackstoryLife in VegasOpportunityShowbizSelf-IdentityHard WorkCharacter Development
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