Dangerous Game (1993)

Madonna's best film!

Director: Abel Ferrara

 

I had never seen a movie with Madonna.  I didn’t want to see “Shanghai Surprise” or “Desperately Seeking Susan” (even though I had always admired Rosanna Arquette, whom I unexpectedly met one evening when we were both dining alone at my favorite Indian restaurant). However, when I read about the movie “Dangerous Game,” I was very curious.

 

When I read it was her only movie to be given a positive review by The Village Voice or the New York Times, and furthermore she came out BEFORE the film had its release and urged people not to see it, I figured that the “Material Girl” was probably wrong. Evidently, the director, Abel Ferrara, who helmed such films as King of New York, The Addiction, and The Funeral, never forgave her for panning the film in advance.

 

Madonna probably didn’t like it because she does not look glamorous, in fact appears that she is wearing little makeup, but then she is playing an untried actress in the film within the film. She looks emotionally at the end of her rope (but that is the character she plays).

 

Sarah Jennings (Madonna) is a fledgling actress in a film being directed Eddie Israel (Harvey Keitel). She and her co-star Frank Burns (James Russo) are playing roles that are very demanding. As production progresses, the lives of the characters start to duplicate the lives of the actors. Eddie also begins to slip over the edge of sanity. Ferrara’s wife Nancy plays Eddie’s wife.

 

There is a great deal of realism in the movie and many times you don’t pick up instantly that you’re watching Madonna as the actress (Claire) or the star of the film..

 

Madonna does a terrific job.  It’s unexpectedly good!