In this post, I explore the combination of two blog series, MALANDROS IN ACTION and MARTIAL ARTS THEATER, through a remarkable 1980s comedy that features a witty character, Nicky Finn, who navigates various situations with street smarts and charm. Nicky’s adventurous spirit and unorthodox problem-solving methods not only entertain but also highlight the complexities of urban life during that era. As one of the first portrayals of a malandro I encountered, I was captivated by his cleverness and adaptability, all while remaining blissfully unaware of the term malandro. This character exemplifies the quintessential rogue archetype, and his journey provides a lens through which we can examine the interplay between humor and heroism in a rapidly changing world. Through Nicky Finn’s escapades, the nuances of the malandro culture begin to unfold, offering insights into both personal ambition and the dynamics of community.
Well, I think so anyway.
“Madonna is sexy and funny – a very engaging comedian,” Vincent Canby of The New York Times wrote of her work in Who’s That Girl. The music/movie superstar displays kicky comic flair and sings four terrific soundtrack tunes (Causing a Commotion, The Look of Love, Can’t Stop and the title song). Griffin Dunne co-stars as an uptight, soon-to-wed attorney whose mild lifestyle swerves into the path of uproarious oncoming traffic courtesy of Nikki. This frisky caper proves screwball comedy is alive and swell.
MW SYNOPSIS: A year after “Shanghai Surprise,” Madonna stars in the comedy “Who’s That Girl?” as the spirited and determined Nikki Finn, who has just been released from prison after serving time for a wrongful conviction for murder. In her quest for freedom and justice, Nikki is drawn into a whirlwind of chaos and unexpected encounters.
Wealthy lawyer Loudon, who is poised to marry the snobby and status-obsessed Wendy, is assigned the challenging task of escorting Nikki out of town under the watchful eye of her disapproving father-in-law, the powerful Simon Worthington, who is determined to keep his family’s reputation intact. However, instead of a smooth transition, Nikki, fueled by a desire for revenge and a burning need for answers about her mysterious friend Johnny, intertwines herself into Loudon’s meticulously planned life.
This leads to a series of chaotic events that not only upend Loudon’s relationships but also force him to confront his own desires and values. Among the madness is a runaway Cougar, part of an elaborate scheme by Loudon’s eccentric boss, Montgomery Bell, that adds another layer of hilarity and urgency. As tensions rise and the stakes get higher, Loudon finds himself in a comical yet profound dilemma, ultimately having to choose between the secure life he envisioned with Wendy and the wild, unpredictable adventure that Nikki represents.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 