Rosanna and Madonna

Jonathan Demme liked the script and wanted to cast Diane Keaton as the drifter, Susan. Then producers Sarah Pillsbury and Midge Sanford saw Smithereens, Susan Seidelman’s debut feature, and tapped her to direct. During the casting process Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Barbra Streisand were considered as Roberta (the role that ultimately went to Rosanna Arquette). Ellen Barkin, Melanie Griffith and others were thought of as possible Susans. Seidelman wanted Madonna, who had released her first album, but wasn’t known outside dance clubs and MTV. Oh, why don’t you just read this oral history to find out about the casting and production process and the studio that wanted to market this movie like Purple Rain?

And while you’re reading, can you think of another movie made since 1985 that had female producers, director, screenwriter and leads?