ReFocus: The Films of Susan Seidelman

The first scholarly work to focus on the work of American director and producer, Susan Seidelman

• Contains an exclusive chapter-length interview in which Seidelman examines her career and discusses many of her lesser-known films, some for the first time
• Suggests a reframing of authorship theory to be more inclusive of especially women directors who work in both film and television
• Examines Seidelman’s shifts from independents to Hollywood studio movies to television and made-for-TV movies in relationship to changes in the industry
• Provides cultural context for Seidelman’s films, including representations of gender, race and disability
• Includes genre analysis to illustrate how Seidelman twists genres for feminist stories and readings
• Assesses Seidelman’s critical reputation, including instances of mismatch between critical and audience reception

This first collection devoted to Susan Seidelman — director, producer and visionary of feminist American cinema and television – includes never-before-published archival material and an interview with insights into her process and thoughts on #timesup and the future of the industry. Her debut feature, Smithereens, was the first American independent film to compete for the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Her knack for casting saw her insist on Madonna for Desperately Seeking Susan before Madonna was famous. Seidelman directed Meryl Streep and John Malkovich in their first comedy features, Roseanne Barr in her first feature film and Laverne Cox in one of her earliest features. Seidelman also directed the Sex and the City pilot, kickstarting a global phenomenon.

Seidelman’s career is one of firsts, yet little is written about her. This collection begins filling that gap while opening the door for additional scholarship, making this a valuable text for years to come.