Who’s That Girl (1987)

Directed by: James Foley | 92 minutes | comedy, romance, crime | Actors: Madonna, Griffin Dunne, Haviland Morris, John McMartin, Bibi Besch, Sir John Mills, Robert Swan, Drew Pillsbury, Coati Mundi, Dennis Burkley, James Dietz

This joyride of a movie opens with a flashy animation in which we see Nikki Finn (Madonna) wrongly sent to jail. ‘Slammer’ was the original title of the film until Madonna released her song ‘Who’s That Girl?’ chose it as the title song. The song topped the Billboard chart in August 1987 and it received a Golden Globe in 1988. Dutchman Jan de Bont did the cinematography for ‘Who’s That Girl?’.

Griffin Dunne from ‘After Hours’ (1985) plays Louden Trott, a solid, hardworking lawyer on the eve of his wedding to a rich man’s daughter. His future father-in-law orders him to put ex-con Nikki Finn on a bus to Philadelphia. Trott’s calm nature is in stark contrast to that of the Betty Boop-like Nikki Finn who is very present right from the start with her annoying accent and screaming outfits. Madonna seems to have walked right out of one of her video clips at the time. Actually, the film is also a stretched Madonna clip. But she’s not the only star in the film, one of Trott’s other jobs is transporting a Patagonian Felis, a very rare feline here played by a tame puma. The film somewhat resembles the comedy classic ‘Bringing Up Baby’ (1938), but it is not a comic masterpiece. Madonna and director James Foley both received a Razzie for their performances.

The film was poorly received by American critics and viewers, but it was a success in Europe. In general, people in the United States are quite skeptical about singers making the switch to actor. Usually they have to perform twice as well there to get the same rating. This is said to be one of Madonna’s better films, unlike the flopped ‘Shangai Surprise’ (1986) from a year earlier. In any case, her performance here is not bad. Who else but Madonna could play the sassy Nikki Finn? No one would call Madonna a very gifted actress, but in some films, especially where she plays the smaller roles that are close to her, she acts fine. Such as ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ (1985) and ‘A League of Their Own’ (1992). Madonna received real recognition in the form of a Golden Globe for her lead role in the musical ‘Evita’ (1996).

For those who grew up with the Madonna from ‘Who’s That Girl?’ it is as nostalgic as it is refreshing to see her once again as rebellious instead of pedantic. Still from the time when all the girls tried to match her dance moves. You have to be a bit of a fan of the Madonna of the 80s to be able to put up with her for an entire movie. Also don’t make high demands on the credibility of the story or the acting performances. Then ‘Who’s that Girl’ can be a thoroughly entertaining, hysterical, crazy, crazy ride in the Rolls Royce.