PAM & TOMMY : TV Review
Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee were the “It” couple that rocked Hollywood in the mid-1990s. He was the rock star drummer of Motley Crue, while she was a budding sex symbol appearing in Playboy and Baywatch. Their relationship turned scandalous for many when a sex tape of theirs was released on the internet. It wasn’t released by them, but by a vengeful former carpenter who worked for and was fired by Tommy Lee. This seems like common place now, but this was back in 1997 when the internet was barely off the ground using a dial up connection. The tape was meant to be private, but after it stolen and seen by millions, it would forever alter the lives and careers of Anderson and Lee.
From director Craig Gillespie, the same director as I, Tonya which has a similar vibe to it. Both shine a lot on a scandalous event and allows the audience to see a more complex side to the central figures than the stereotypes we saw Tonya Harding or Pamela Anderson as surrounding these events.
Director Craig Gillespie knows the energy and power of his lead characters had has given this limited series that same flashy, high energy quality. There’s no shortage of nudity as he’s not afraid to show off their wild and sexual nature. It’s sex, alcohol, rock and roll, and has a fantastic soundtrack.
I think you’ll come away with a better appreciation for Pamela Anderson thanks to the strength and fight Lily James gives her. We get insight into her standing up for herself on the Baywatch set as she’s constantly proving herself beyond the sex symbol status.
I was less familiar with Tommy Lee who doesn’t come across as innocent or admirable here. He’s the party boy rocker who treats his workers terribly and won’t stop chasing and begging Pamela Anderson to date him.
Lily James (Cinderella, Downton Abbey) and Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) disappear into their roles as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. With an incredible hair and make-up design, James looks and sounds just like Anderson and nails her airy flirtation and physical mannerisms. You would think you were watching Anderson playing herself. Sebastian Stan brings a fiery passion to Lee. He’s full of energy as Tommy Lee as he’s constantly moving around, being loud, and making a scene. There’s no quiet or down moment with Lee.
The performances should garner big award-season buzz during the next Emmy season.
