While she may not have had a ton of roles in historical films, it’s hard to argue that the handful of frock flicks Madonna has appeared in are nothing if not iconic.
Shanghai Surprise (1986)
Co-starring her then-husband Sean Penn, this flick had cute 1930s costumes but everything else stunk so bad Madonna won her first of five Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Actress! [Ed. Note: I can’t believe Sarah forgot this one, but then, it’s the kind of movie you want to scrape out of your brain.]
Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989)
A Woody Allen film set in 1928 (and another Razzie nominee!).
Dick Tracy (1990)
Terrible movie, but beautiful set design, cinematography, and above all, costuming — especially Madonna’s character, Breathless Mahoney. Which isn’t surprising once you realize that the costumes were designed by Milena Canonero.
Shadows and Fog (1991)
Another Woody Allen “comedy” about a serial killer. Madonna plays a circus performer who has sex with one of the central characters and then apparently nothing else happens with her in the film. So … ok. That’s cool, I guess.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Madonna’s first legit film appearance playing against her sultry stereotype, as “All the Way” Mae Mordabito, a taxi dancer-turned-center-fielder in the all-women baseball team the Rockford Peaches, set during World War 2.
Evita (1996)
Part of me is shocked that this came out 26 years ago, because it sure doesn’t feel like it was that long ago. Madonna received critical acclaim for her role as the charismatic First Lady of Argentina, Eva Perón, in the film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1978 musical. The costumes were designed by Penny Rose, who is probably best known for the costumes for all of the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
And of course, I’m not going to pass up any opportunity to post Madonna’s 1990 MTV Music Awards performance, featuring costumes from Dangerous Liaisons (1988):
And if we’re going to mention “Vogue,” we are going to have to mention her 1984 music video for “Material Girl,” which is almost a scene-for-scene remake of Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”:
What’s your favorite historical film or music video featuring Madonna? Tell us in the comments!
Bloodhounds of Broadway is not a Woody Allen film. I think you have it confused with Bullets over Broadway which is.
Indeed it was written and directed by Howard Brookner ✌🏻
Shit, you are so right. I had to keep reminding myself while writing that part that “it’s not Bullets over Broadway… It’s not Bullets over Broadway…” and I guess I still confused it. LOL.
I like her in A League of Their Own, but in general I don’t think she works as a period actress. Acting at all may not be her strength, actually, although I haven’t seen anywhere close to all of her movies so maybe I’ve managed to miss her best work.
Agreed! She was terrific in LoTO (except for that one scene where she overacts). I’ve seen several movies where she was the lead, and let’s just say that she’s better in supporting roles. :)
Let me guess which one (“some slob can sweat gin all ovah me?”).
Having said that, she realized good in her period costumes.
She rocks. And I really like how in Material Girl, she doesn’t have weird and creepy chandeliers made from women in skimpy black clothes like the original!
I really loved Evita. I may be weird in that I saw it in the theater multiple times.
Also, not a day doesn’t guy by where I don’t daydream about two of her costumes. The amazing gown at Peron’s inauguration with the jeweled bodice and gossamer swooping cape (the “High Flying Adored” dress) and the gown with the scintillating red silk opera coat she wore at the Paris Opera during the Rainbow Tour – THAT one is briefly seen and only when she collapses from exhaustion.
My folks say Evita was good! I hated WE for not focusing on Wallis and Edward VIII exclusively! They were a really interesting couple! This was Madonna’s directorial debut!
I hope this isn’t too bitchy even for FF, but I can’t stand the woman. She is beautiful, especially in those period costumes and hair, and she surprised me with her decent star turn in Evita. But I do think she’s all spectacle and little talent with a thin little singing voice, a great self promoter, and a nut case. But other than that she’s just fine…
I think she’s a terrible actor! She lucked out w/A League of Their Own (also Desperately Seeking Susan), & Evita was mostly singing. But there’s some great costume content here ;)