1985’s Desperately Seeking Susan, starring pop icon Madonna in the title role, boasts an infectious blend of mystery, humor, and romance — as well as a bustling 1980s NYC backdrop. Its timeless exploration of identity, friendship, and adventure resonates to this day, yet the film is also a nostalgic window into the 80s zeitgeist and NYC street culture.
It’s a unique (and refreshingly female-take) on the screwball comedy genre, as it’s filled with many smirks, a couple of belly laughs, and a case of mistaken identity between a bored suburban housewife (Rosanna Arquette) and a free-spirited drifter (Madonna). The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, oozing from the screen with irresistible charm at the directorial hand of Susan Seidelman (She-Devil, The Hot Flashes). So, on the 39th anniversary of this film, which premiered on April 12, 1985, let’s look back at some of our favorite quotes from the movie.
“You got a nice disposition for a girl so tightly wound.”
“That’s the outfit I was buried in!” –
“There’s a Mr. Nolan here. He’s a cop.” – “You mean a real one?”
“I’m not a magician, I’m a secretary.”
“Don’t worry. We’re not gonna bite you.”
“I don’t know you, but I think you’re a very brave woman.”.
“That’s not love. That’s a matter of fact.”
“What do you want from me, a plot?”
“Is this the man?” – “Oh, no, no, no. That’s definitely not the man.”
“I can’t believe I’m in love with a schizophrenic!”
“I bet you’re a dancer.” – “I bet you’re a writer.”
“I don’t wanna be alone tonight. And it’s your fault.”
“Haven’t you seen ‘I Love Lucy’? This is how it starts.”
You’re not going to believe this, but I just met the most incredible woman. She’s a compulsive liar.”
“It’s like looking in a mirror only not.”
“Life’s not much fun without a good scare, huh?”
“The magic’s in the message, not the medium.”
“She’s just a regular person like you and me.”
“I have an announcement. My mother is not an astronaut.”
“It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.”
