jimc@haddock.UUCP (04/29/85)
*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.