Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: Notesfiles $Revision: 1.6.2.16 $; site haddock.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!mit-eddie!think!haddock!jimc
From: jimc@haddock.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.movies
Subject: *Desperately Seeking Susan*
Message-ID: <13900039@haddock.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 29-Apr-85 00:16:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: haddock.13900039
Posted: Mon Apr 29 00:16:00 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 1-May-85 04:08:38 EDT
Lines: 37
Nf-ID: #N:haddock:13900039:000:2022
Nf-From: haddock!jimc    Apr 29 00:16:00 1985


*Desperately Seeking Susan* is one of those period films which, I 
expect, will be watched twenty years from now and generate the 
same reaction Beatles movies do today.  The film, directed by the 
innovative Susan Seidelman, is a colorful snapshot of the styles 
and fads that dominate the pop world of 1980's America.  As we 
see Nehru jackets and pudding-basin hairdos, so will our children 
and grandchildren see brush cuts and 6-ounce earrings.  It is for 
this reason that I really appreciate movies like *Desperately 
Seeking Susan*; they will be the time capsules that capture the 
physical appearance of our rapidly changing society.  

Beyond the movie's appearance, *Desperately Seeking Susan* is 
entertaining and memorable.  The plot is complex but not 
overwhelming, and the conversation is witty and intelligent.  My 
only complaint is against the performances: the two female leads, 
Rosanna Arquette and pop singer Madonna, are good but not 
outstanding, and, though this may seem like a lot to ask, I feel 
creative performances are quite necessary to a film like this.  I 
think of the natural and hilarious performance of John Lennon in 
*A Hard Day's Night* as a shining example of this.  This seems to 
be a problem with direction more than anything else.  Seidelman 
is talented, but she leaves her actors behind.  I think of 
Madonna especially, who, despite her strong screen presence, 
gives us nothing beyond what the script demands, and there is a 
lot of room for more.  Some good schtick in the right places 
would have done wonders.  

I still recommend this movie -- others may not see it this way.  
You will find this movie's formula is perfect, and that in itself 
carries a whole lot of weight.  Also refreshing is that this is 
not a vehicle for Madonna; yes, there is one Madonna song (I 
think it's called "Get into the Groove"), but it is played in the 
background at a New Wave club and not blasted over some 
ridiculous action or love scene.  

I rate this one three out of four.