seidelman's second theatrical film "desperately seeking susan" (1985), featuring then-rising star madonna, was a major box-office and critical success, launching the careers of co-stars rosanna arquette and aidan quinn and introducing a new generation of actors and performers such as john turturro, laurie metcalf, robert joy, giancarlo esposito, and comedian steven wright. seidelman encouraged her producers to cast madonna, who was a neighbor of hers with no acting experience, believing she would lend downtown authenticity and charisma to the role.