Desperately Seeking Susan

Desperately Seeking Susan is a 1985 American comedy-drama film directed by Susan Seidelman and starring Madonna and Rosanna Arquette. The film was produced by Sarah Pillsbury and Midge Sanford and features a cast of notable actors, including Aidan Quinn, Mark Blum, and Robert Joy. The movie follows the story of two women, Robert De Niro's friend Rosanna Arquette and Madonna, who become embroiled in a complex and comedic series of events, also involving Laurie Metcalf and Anna Levine. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast and crew, including Pat Benatar and The Bangles.

Plot

The plot of the film revolves around Rosanna Arquette's character, who becomes obsessed with a woman she reads about in the New York Times personal advertisements, and Madonna's character, a free-spirited woman who becomes the object of her obsession. As the story unfolds, the two women's lives become intertwined, involving Aidan Quinn and Laurie Metcalf, and a series of comedic misunderstandings and unexpected events, also featuring Steve Antin and Will Patton. The film's narrative is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged and entertained, much like the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder. The film's themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery are reminiscent of the works of Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola. The movie also features Eileen Brennan and John Turturro.

Production

The production of the film was a collaborative effort between Susan Seidelman and her team, including Leigh Taylor-Young and Peter Riegert. The film was shot on location in New York City, with many scenes filmed in iconic locations such as Times Square and Central Park. The film's cinematography was handled by Edward Lachman, who worked with Martin Scorsese on Mean Streets. The production design was overseen by Charles Rosen, who also worked on The Flamingo Kid and St. Elmo's Fire. The film's score was composed by Thomas Newman, who has also worked on American Beauty and The Shawshank Redemption. The movie also involved Michael Badalucco and Geraldine Page.

Cast

The cast of the film includes Madonna as the titular character, Rosanna Arquette as her obsessed admirer, and Aidan Quinn as a love interest. The film also features a range of supporting actors, including Mark Blum, Robert Joy, and Laurie Metcalf. The cast's performances were widely praised by critics, with many noting the strong chemistry between Madonna and Rosanna Arquette. The film's cast also includes Anna Levine and Steve Antin, and was influenced by the works of Marlon Brando and James Dean. The movie features a range of talented actors, including John Turturro and Eileen Brennan.

Release

The film was released in 1985 to positive reviews from critics, with many praising its original storyline and strong performances. The film was distributed by Orion Pictures and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's release was accompanied by a range of promotional materials, including posters and trailers, featuring Madonna and Rosanna Arquette. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast and crew, as well as the marketing efforts of Orion Pictures, which also distributed Platoon and Amadeus. The movie was also shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its original storyline and strong performances. The film holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting its influence on the comedy-drama genre. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast and crew, as well as its relatable themes and engaging narrative, which were also praised by Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. The film's reception was also influenced by the cultural context of the time, with many noting its commentary on feminism and identity politics, also discussed by Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan. The movie was also praised by Pauline Kael and Vincent Canby.

Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack features a range of popular songs from the 1980s, including Pat Benatar's "Invincible" and The Bangles' "Going Down to Liverpool". The soundtrack was released on Warner Bros. Records and features a range of artists, including Cyndi Lauper and The Cars. The film's score was composed by Thomas Newman, who has also worked on American Beauty and The Shawshank Redemption. The soundtrack's success can be attributed to the popularity of its featured artists, as well as the film's engaging narrative and memorable scenes, which were also praised by Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. The movie's soundtrack also features Madonna and Prince. Category:American comedy-drama films