Watch Desperately Seeking Susan

Desperately Seeking Susan is a comedy-drama film from 1985 directed by Susan Seidelman. Set in New York City, the film follows two women - Roberta Glass (played by Rosanna Arquette), a bored New Jersey housewife, and Susan Thomas (played by Madonna), a free-spirited, rebellious wanderer who travels the city. Roberta becomes obsessed with Susan after reading about her escapades in the personal ads section of a newspaper. She decides to follow Susan's trail, which eventually leads her to a bar in the East Village. However, things take a dramatic turn when Roberta is mistaken for Susan and her identity is stolen.

The film explores themes of identity, individualism, and the desire for adventure. It also touches on the idea of how people can become obsessed with others and how that can shape their own identity.

Rosanna Arquette gives a remarkable performance as Roberta, a woman who is struggling with her own identity and unhappy with her life. Arquette manages to capture the angst and dissatisfaction of Roberta's character without being melodramatic. Similarly, Madonna plays the role of Susan with ease, bringing her trademark confidence and rebellious attitude to the role.

In addition to Arquette and Madonna, the film boasts a talented cast including Aidan Quinn, who plays a mysterious man that both women become infatuated with.

Desperately Seeking Susan is known for its iconic 1980s New York City backdrop, capturing a time and place where anything seemed possible. The film features several landmarks of the city, such as St. Mark's Place, Battery Park, and the Staten Island Ferry. The soundtrack, which includes contributions from the likes of Talking Heads, The Pretenders, and Elvis Costello, also captures the spirit of the era.

The film's plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns that keep the viewer engaged throughout. The characters are well-developed, and the film strikes a good balance between being both humorous and poignant.

Desperately Seeking Susan was well-received upon its release and has since become a cult classic. It is a quirky, enjoyable film with a strong cast and direction that deftly captures the spirit of 1980s New York City.