Still a pop fledgling in 1985, Madonna seamlessly transitioned from the recording studio into film with Desperately Seeking Susan, a surprise hit that impressed critics and fans alike. Keen to establish herself as a fixture of Hollywood, Madonna flexed her comedic chops in Who’s That Girl (1987), a screwball flop savaged by critics. Unlike her recording career, Madonna’s work in film has been a series of hits (Evita, A League of Their Own) but mostly misses (Swept Away, The Next Best Thing, Body of Evidence). But did Nikki Finn get a raw deal? Is this Madonna at her most hilarious, liberated and convincing? See for yourself in a film described as “Madcap mindless 80s fun!” with a pre-show performance and introduction from Venus Mantrap.
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap: Who’s That Girl
Friday 23 May, Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra.
