Desperately seeking Susan (1985)

“Desperately Seeking Susan” is a 1985 American comedy-drama film directed by Susan Seidelman and starring Rosanna Arquette and Madonna. The film follows Roberta Glass (played by Arquette), a bored housewife who becomes fascinated with the life of a free-spirited woman named Susan (played by Madonna) after reading her personal ads in a newspaper.

Roberta, who is unhappy with her life and marriage, decides to follow Susan around New York City and ends up becoming embroiled in a mystery involving stolen Egyptian earrings and mistaken identities.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Madonna as a film actress. It is also notable for its depiction of downtown New York City in the 1980s, with its vibrant street scenes and punk rock aesthetic.

Cast

The main cast of “Desperately Seeking Susan” includes:

• Rosanna Arquette as Roberta Glass
• Madonna as Susan Thomas
• Aidan Quinn as Dez
• Mark Blum as Gary Glass
• Robert Joy as Jim
• Laurie Metcalf as Leslie Glass
• Anna Levine as Crystal
• Will Patton as Wayne Nolan
• Steven Wright as Larry Stillman
• Peter Maloney as Ian
• John Turturro as Ray

These actors played various roles in the film and were all instrumental in bringing the story to life. Madonna’s performance in particular helped to cement her status as a cultural icon and a force to be reckoned with in both the music and film industries.

Production

“Desperately Seeking Susan” was directed by Susan Seidelman, with a screenplay by Leora Barish and Mary Kane. The film was produced by Midge Sanford and Sarah Pillsbury, and distributed by Orion Pictures.

The production of the film began in the summer of 1984 and was filmed on location in New York City. The filmmakers wanted to capture the gritty, punk rock aesthetic of downtown New York City, and they used real locations such as St. Mark’s Place, the East Village, and the Pyramid Club.

Madonna, who was already a pop music sensation at the time, was cast in the role of Susan Thomas. The filmmakers saw her as the perfect embodiment of the film’s themes of empowerment and female rebellion. Rosanna Arquette was cast as Roberta Glass, the bored housewife who becomes obsessed with Susan’s life.

The film was released in March 1985 and was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $27 million worldwide. It helped to launch Madonna’s acting career and solidified Seidelman’s reputation as a talented director with a unique vision.

Reviews

“Desperately Seeking Susan” is a classic film that is still beloved by many today. The film has a unique blend of comedy, drama, and mystery, and it is propelled by the strong performances of its cast.

Rosanna Arquette is fantastic as the bored housewife who becomes obsessed with Madonna’s character, Susan. She captures the character’s transformation from a meek and unhappy woman to a confident and empowered individual who takes control of her own life.

Madonna, in her first major film role, is also excellent as the free-spirited and enigmatic Susan. She exudes a cool, confident energy that perfectly matches the film’s downtown New York City setting.

The film’s plot is engaging and keeps the audience guessing as it unfolds. The mystery involving the stolen Egyptian earrings and mistaken identities adds a layer of suspense to the story, while the film’s themes of female empowerment and rebellion give it a deeper meaning.

Overall, “Desperately Seeking Susan” is a fun and entertaining film that still holds up today. It is a must-see for fans of Madonna and for anyone looking for a unique and engaging film that captures the spirit of New York City in the 1980s.

Where are they now?

Here is a brief update on where some of the main cast and crew of “Desperately Seeking Susan” are now:

• Rosanna Arquette: Arquette continues to act in film and television. Her recent credits include roles in “Ray Donovan,” “Imposters,” and “Pulp Fiction.”
• Madonna: Madonna is one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, and she has continued to act in films as well. Her recent acting credits include roles in “W.E.,” “A League of Their Own,” and “The Next Best Thing.”
• Susan Seidelman: Seidelman has continued to direct films and television shows. Her recent credits include episodes of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Grace and Frankie,” and “GLOW.”
• Aidan Quinn: Quinn is still active in film and television. His recent credits include roles in “Elementary,” “The Blacklist,” and “Flipped.”
• Mark Blum: Blum passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. He was a prolific actor who appeared in many films and television shows throughout his career.
• Laurie Metcalf: Metcalf continues to act in film, television, and on stage. She is perhaps best known for her role as Jackie Harris on the television show “Roseanne.” Her recent credits include roles in “The Conners,” “Lady Bird,” and “Toy Story 4.”
• Anna Levine: Levine has continued to act in film and television. Her recent credits include roles in “Baskets,” “The Mindy Project,” and “Colony.”
• Will Patton: Patton is still active in film and television. His recent credits include roles in “Yellowstone,” “Halloween,” and “The Punisher.”
• John Turturro: Turturro is a prolific actor who has continued to work in film and television. His recent credits include roles in “The Night Of,” “The Plot Against America,” and “The Batman.” He also directed and starred in the 2019 film “The Jesus Rolls.”

Fun facts

Here are some fun facts about “Desperately Seeking Susan”:

1. Madonna wasn’t the first choice to play Susan. The role was originally offered to Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Ellen Barkin before Madonna was cast.
2. The film was shot on a shoestring budget, with much of the crew working for very little pay. The filmmakers had to get creative with their resources, using real locations and non-actors in some scenes.
3. The Egyptian earrings that are the central plot point of the film were actually borrowed from a New York City jewelry store for the shoot. They were insured for $25,000.
4. The film features several notable cameos, including appearances by John Lurie, Richard Hell, and Steven Wright.
5. Madonna’s hit song “Into the Groove” was originally written for the film. However, it was ultimately used in another film, “Vision Quest,” and became one of Madonna’s biggest hits.
6. The film was a major influence on the fashion and style of the 1980s, with Madonna’s layered bracelets, fingerless gloves, and cropped tops becoming iconic looks.
7. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Rosanna Arquette.

Box office

Trailer