12 Intriguing Details About 'Desperately Seeking Susan'

Released on March 29, 1985, by Orion Pictures, Desperately Seeking Susan tells the story of Roberta (Rosanna Arquette), a restless housewife from New Jersey who becomes fascinated with Susan (Madonna), a daring and unconventional New Yorker. Their lives intertwine when Roberta suffers from amnesia, leading to an unexpected exchange of identities.

Breaking new ground for its time, Desperately Seeking Susan stood out with its female-led narrative and a creative team predominantly made up of women. Barbara Boyle, Orion’s senior vice president of worldwide production at the time, played a pivotal role in securing the studio’s approval for this innovative project.

The film is celebrated for introducing Madonna to the acting world, transitioning her from a rising music star to a global icon upon its release. Rosanna Arquette’s portrayal earned her a prestigious BAFTA award.

Even after more than three decades, Desperately Seeking Susan remains a landmark in feminist cinema. In a 2015 interview with Yahoo!, director Susan Seidelman reflected on the film’s enduring impact, emphasizing its groundbreaking message that women filmmakers could create commercially successful movies with female leads that appeal to all audiences, including men.

1. The screenplay for Desperately Seeking Susan drew inspiration from a French film.

Screenwriter Leora Barish revealed in an interview with Yahoo! that Jacques Rivette’s 1974 film Celine and Julie Go Boating heavily influenced her script. Barish admired how Rivette’s work subtly blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. She explained that in Susan, the two women, each from contrasting worlds, are intrigued by one another, leading them to explore and embrace each other’s lives.

2. Initially, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn were considered for the roles of Susan and Roberta.

Director Susan Seidelman shared with Yahoo! that the characters were originally conceived for an older generation. Susan was envisioned as a bohemian wanderer, akin to Diane Keaton’s style. However, as the script evolved, Susan transformed into a New Wave/punk icon, prompting the team to consider actresses like Melanie Griffith, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ellen Barkin, and Kelly McGillis for the role.

3. Susan Seidelman played a key role in advocating for Madonna’s casting.

“I pushed for Madonna because I was familiar with her from the downtown scene,” Seidelman explained to Yahoo!. “Since studio executives didn’t know her, Ed Lachman, the director of photography, and I filmed her audition reel in Union Square. I recall someone mistaking her for Cyndi Lauper as they passed by.” Madonna secured the role after Orion executives approved her audition tape, and the co-founder’s son, having seen her on MTV, found her appealing.

4. The film’s script initially featured an alternate conclusion.

The movie concludes (SPOILER!) with Roberta choosing to stay with Dez, portrayed by Aidan Quinn, while Susan ends up with Jim, played by Robert Joy. “The initial ending had the two women embarking on an adventure together, depicted riding camels in the Sahara Desert, without the men,” Arquette shared with Vulture. “I believe that version was far superior and more aligned with Roberta’s desire to break free from stereotypes. It wasn’t a traditional ‘happily ever after,’ and I was deeply disappointed when they decided to change it.”

5. Susan Seidelman employed distinct directing approaches for Madonna and Rosanna Arquette.

“I approached Rosanna as a seasoned actress and Madonna as a unique personality,” Seidelman explained. “With Rosanna, I focused on character development, allowing her to build on it. With Madonna, the goal was to encourage her to simply be herself rather than forcing her to act.”

6. Madonna’s rise to superstardom occurred before the film’s production concluded.

Sire Records launched Like a Virgin in November 1984, just weeks before Desperately Seeking Susan wrapped up filming. “It was like witnessing a meteor shooting upwards,” Seidelman told Variety. “Madonna graced the cover of Rolling Stone, and her rapid ascent was mesmerizing. By the final week of shooting, we needed security and other measures typically reserved for filming with major stars in public spaces.”

7. The studio was uncertain whether Madonna’s sudden rise to fame would benefit the film.

Seidelman shared with the Los Angeles Times that the studio was unsure if Madonna’s skyrocketing popularity would be an advantage or a drawback. “Would it help or hinder us? In the end, the film had to rely on its own merits. I believe it resonated with the spirit of the era, which is why it struck a chord with audiences.”

8. The editing process for the movie was completed in just a few months.

Filming concluded around Thanksgiving 1984. “There was almost no time for post-production,” unit publicist Reid Rosefelt told Yahoo!. “Orion aimed for a March release, fearing Madonna’s career might fade by then.” They couldn’t have predicted that Madonna’s success was only beginning.

9. The song “Into the Groove” is absent from the film’s official soundtrack.

Madonna originally wrote “Into the Groove” for her friend Mark Kamins and recorded a demo. However, she chose to keep the song for herself and included it in the film. Although it plays during the movie’s finale, it wasn’t part of the soundtrack, which features Thomas Newman’s score. The track was later released as a single on July 15, 1985, and added to the re-issue of Like a Virgin.

10. The studio struggled to create an effective movie poster.

“Orion proposed posters with Madonna standing in front of a brick wall and Rosanna peeking over it,” co-producer Midge Sanford told Yahoo!. “Another idea featured Madonna’s face reflected in a toaster and Rosanna’s on a piece of toast. I reminded them, ‘We’re not making Mr. Mom.’ The room was filled with middle-aged men who didn’t grasp the film’s essence. I suggested using Herb Ritts’s stunning photos of Madonna and Rosanna, but a marketing executive warned, ‘Two women on a poster might make people think it’s a lesbian movie.’ Ultimately, they went with the now-iconic Ritts image.”

11. Desperately Seeking Susan was transformed into a short-lived stage musical.

A musical adaptation of Desperately Seeking Susan debuted at London’s Novello Theatre on November 15, 2007, featuring songs from Blondie’s catalog. However, due to poor ticket sales, the production closed after just one month.

12. Mark Blum passed away due to complications from COVID-19.

Mark Blum, who portrayed Roberta’s husband Gary Glass, also known as “The Spa King of New Jersey,” passed away in March 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. “He was a kind, gentle, and incredibly talented actor with a wonderful sense of humor and a truly kind heart,” Arquette shared with HuffPost following his death.

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