"Desperately Seeking Susan" (1985), Directed by Susan Seidelman

"Desperately Seeking Susan" is the type of film that is rich with style (80's style that is). Although outdated in some ways compared to today's films there is a constant quality that does not degrade over time and that is the story and director Seidelman's approach to create a finely tuned contemporary comedy/drama. This film is also a cult item because of its depiction of the New York Area (Greenwich Village). Something I noticed also is the feel of this film. It has a very independent filmmaking style and look, but has that commercial feel to it as well, which is of course because of the two big name stars Madonna and Rosanna Arquette. The flavor of this film reflects a time period that is so much fun. The fashions, hair and the music reflects such a perspective of this particular time that unfortunately younger crowds today will not understand. Every generation has its styles and what they consider good (although currently I wouldn't say there has been too much good), however good filmmaking is timeless.

In the opening of "Susan" one has to wonder what direction the film is taking. The story for this film doesn't appear to me to be just another average comedy/drama/love story type of film, it goes beyond that with the characters alone. The character of Susan, a drifter, someone who does what she wants, but still has that common bond with her love interest who she meets with through personal ads in the paper. Then there's the character of Roberta, someone who just envies "Susan" life so much that she wants to be her in a way. Of course let's also add in a criminal looking for a priceless pair of earrings which belonged to an egyptian queen. From beginning to end there's always something to keep your interest. Also let's add a case of amnesia to the mix to make things more creative and role reversal between Susan and Roberta. The location use gives the film more purpose. NYC creates such a mood that influences the movie as well because you can't help but relate to the film in a way because most of us know the NYC area and can connect the movie to reality.

Being the music video era "Susan" takes advantage of that by having Madonna and also what is one of her biggest hit songs featured in this movie "Into the Groove", which is played in the nightclub scene where Susan meets up with Roberta's husband from New Jersey. The club scene gives us a slice of life in that particular time. The jacket is another important part of this film because I think it acts in a way to symbolize certain things going on. It's also ironic that Susan's jacket has a pyramid and the earrings she's in possession of belonged to an egyptian queen. Also the jacket is what remains as a connecting point because it is not how Susan loses her key to he locker with the earrings, but it is also what makes our two main characters meet, and it's also how the main love interest character played by Aidean Quinn comes into play because it's the jacket that he first notices about her.

Culture provides an essential element into "Desperately Seeking Susan". It's also showing us a difference of lifestyles at the time as well. Roberta is from Jersey and has a basic married life, while Susan is a city girl and has a free wheeling lifestyle with no limits. This is also a film that fits in with the 80's new wave. Although the new wave would draw to a close a few years only after this there are certainly elements to be noticed in the way people acted and dressed. We get the contrast of suburban life and city life through seeing the story unfold of Susan and Roberta."Susan crosses over so many styles and genres (like I said cult, new wave, role reversal, etc). In comparison with other filmmakers it would be hard today to re-capture the elements which made this film unique. Seidelman has the right touch that captures a convincing atmosphere and weaves an intricate web of story lines, which unfold in precise puzzle like format. Seidelman's other films like "Cookie" and "Smithereens" have some elements like "Susan" has. Interesting side note, the film "Cookie" form 1989, had a few scenes filmed near where I live and a location I used for one of my films, which is the LInden Airport. Kind of funny how things come around again in the world of filmmaking. My film of course is nothing like that of Seidelman's.