Hollywood has been trying to make movie stars out of musicians for decades. In 1987, Madonna was everywhere, with a string of pop hits, and fans hanging on to her every word. She could do no wrong, except when it came to making movies. While her role in 1985’s Desperately Seeking Susan garnered some positive attention, she was never able to bring her fans into movie theaters. 1986’s Shanghai Surprise, co-starring her then husband Sean Penn, bombed spectacularly. For 1987’s Who’s That Girl, Madonna recorded four new songs for the soundtrack, which led to a hugely successful Who’s That Girl world tour, even as the film bombed at the box office.
A tax attorney, Loudon Trott (Griffin Dunne) has his life all planned out. He works for the extremely wealthy real estate magnate Simon (John McMartin) and he’s about to marry his boss’s daughter, Wendy (Haviland Morris). Loudon is ordered by his boss to pick up Nikki Finn (Madonna), out on parole from a New York prison after serving four years, Loudon is tasked with making sure she gets on a bus to Philadelphia. Loudon is also supposed to drop by the dock and pick up a cat ordered by the real estate tycoon Montgomery Bell (John Mills). Already in a rush because his wedding is the next day, Loudon is in for the adventure of his life, when Nikki’s determination to prove her innocence results in unexpected adventure for them and the cat who turns out to be a cougar named Murray.
Borrowing from the 1938 classic Bringing Up Baby, director James Foley likely had visions of reworking the 1930’s screwball comedies with a 1980’s sensibility. I give credit to Madonna who tries hard to be wacky. She delivers a few laughs, but she’s not naturally funny, and her Betty Boop like voice is more grating than endearing. Griffin Dunne likely got this part snagged his part thanks to his hilariously stressed-out performance in Martin Scorsese’s After Hours. He does a solid job here, nailing the yuppie who finds himself in unexpected places.
While Madonna has remained a force in the music business for more than forty years, her career as an actress has never really amounted to much. If forced to choose, I’d say Who’s that Girl represents her best work. She doesn’t take herself too seriously. Instead, she leans in to the silly personality of her character and the ridiculous situations she finds herself in.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer is from a 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive. A big upgrade from the DVD release, skin tones look particularly good throughout. Detail is strong and a nice level of grain is apparent. Shot by director Jan Da Bont, the New York landscapes look fabulous. Color rendition looks spectacular, and blacks are inky. The source is in good condition.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is largely a frontal affair. Panning effects sound fuller. Dialogue sounds clear and concise. The four Madonna songs written for the film—”Who’s That Girl”, “Causing a Commotion”, “The Look of Love” and “Can’t Stop”—sound full.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Audio Commentary with Film and Pop Culture Historian Russell Dyball
- Image Gallery (7:54) collects film stills, poster art and publicity shots.
- Theatrical Trailer (1:08)
