How Madonna wrestled away 'Vision Quest' spotlight as world went 'Crazy for You'
Show Caption
Hide Caption
'Vision Quest': Watch Matthew Modine's Louden wrestle Shute
Matthew Modine's wrestling training paid off in the final bout against Shute (Frank Jasper) in 1985's "Vision Quest," which is turning 40.
While traveling through Italy in 1985 to promote his breakout role in the coming-of-age drama "Vision Quest," Matthew Modine was struck by what appeared to be a concert poster for the young singer Madonna.
Modine, then 26, quickly realized that the Madonna sign wasn't for a concert, but was publicizing the Italian release of the wrestling movie. The title and marketing had been changed to emphasize the ascending Queen of Pop, who performed "Crazy for You" in the film.
"The title was 'Pazzo Per Te' which means 'Crazy for You,' " says Modine, who recalls the European promotion minimized his main character in a jubilant wrestling match celebration. "This movie poster was primarily Madonna. Then there I was with my arms up in victory."
The meteorically rising Madonna had wrestled away the "Vision Quest" spotlight with her screen debut, a three-and-a-half minute singing scene. As the cult classic film turns 40 on Saturday (available for home viewing), Modine, now 65, thanks the Material Girl for drawing worldwide attention to the sports drama.
Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox.
"It's a testament to Madonna's power as a recording artist. She's this incredible force of nature," says Modine. "I was happy she got to break her career during a movie I happened to be in."
'Vision Quest' at 40: A cult-classic sports movie
Over four decades, "Vision Quest" has become an inspirational movie favorite with its '80s-power soundtrack and triumphant tale. A similar underdog story to the '80s football classic "Rudy" (with wrestling headgear rather than helmets), the story centers on high school wrestler Louden Swain (Modine), whose daunting life mission is to battle regional bad boy Shute (Frank Jasper) while finding love with beautiful Carla (Linda Fiorentino).
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has name-checked the flick as his all-time favorite movie, which he screens to inspire his team. UFC CEO Dana White extols "Vision Quest" as "the movie that changed the trajectory of my life" (as seen in a video clip Modine tweeted in November).
"The funny thing about 'Vision Quest' is that it's a perennial, it keeps finding an audience," says Modine. "People love it."
Modine packed on muscle and sweated through two months of intensive training with wrestling coach Cash Stone and high school champion wrestlers to perform on the mats believably. The intricate training drills also feature young actors playing Louden's teammates, such as Forest Whitaker (as Balldozer) and "Sixteen Candles" heartthrob Michael Schoeffling (as Louden's troubled bestie, Kuch). Drama school graduate Fiorentino, only one year older than Modine, broke out with her movie debut as Louden's mysterious older love interest, Carla.
Madonna was on a superstar 'Vision Quest' during filming
Filming in late 1983, the newly signed Warner Bros. artist Madonna did not have time to make much of an impression on the set in Spokane, Washington. The actors briefly met the singer who would perform at the Bigfoot Pub & Eatery for a pivotal scene where Carla and Louden slow dance.
"It was this young girl from New York via Michigan who was going to sing a couple of songs," says Modine. "We had never heard of Madonna. But it was nice to have something sweet to dance to."
Wearing her soon-to-be trademark lace headband and cross earrings, Madonna opens the scene singing and dancing to her song "Gambler." Without any between-song banter, the singer slows it down for "Crazy for You," prompting Carla and Louden to dance. "Crazy for You" receives repeat plays in scenes throughout the movie.
"She was on set for four or five hours. Then she was gone," says Modine. "She had plans, big plans."
After wrapping her film debut, Madonna mania exploded with 1984 video hits like "Borderline," "Like a Virgin," and "Material Girl." "Crazy for You" reached the Billboard Hot 100's top spot in May 1985, months after "Vision Quest" hit U.S. theaters.
Which countries changed the 'Vision Quest' title to 'Crazy for You'?
Italy was not the only country to change the "Vision Quest" title to language-appropriate versions of Madonna's "Crazy for You." Argentina's film became "Loco Por Ti," and Finland followed suit with "Hulluna Sinuun." Australia and the United Kingdom used both titles.
"I love the title, 'Vision Quest,' and everything that it implies. Louden is on this quest," says Modine. "But 'Crazy for You" is a pretty great title, too. So it all worked out."
Modine went on to acclaim in films like Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" (1987), won an ensemble acting Screen Actors Guild Award for Netflix's "Stranger Things" and has become part of director Christopher Nolan's acting stable, starring in "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012) and "Oppenheimer" (2023).
He was thrilled to meet Madonna for a second time, seated next to the icon at a fashion show a decade after the movie. The duo discussed the wild journey.
"She told me that whenever she does a concert, she sings 'Crazy for You.' It was a big hit for her," says Modine "It's nice that she acknowledged that she was part of that movie."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Epoch Times
4 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Pregnant Wife of Former NBA Player Attacked by Shark While Swimming in Puerto Rico
The wife of former NBA power forward Danilo Gallinari reveals she was attacked by a shark while vacationing in Puerto Rico. Italian journalist Eleonora Boi, 39, who is also currently pregnant with the couple's third child, was bitten on July 31 while swimming at the Carolina Resort beach.
Time Business News
5 hours ago
- Time Business News
What Does Everyone Think of This New Release from Gucci?
Gucci's latest handbag release has taken the fashion world by storm—again. Known for their bold designs and rich Italian heritage, Gucci continues to redefine luxury fashion. But as stunning as this new drop is, many are asking: Is it worth the price? Or should smart shoppers look at alternatives like a high-end Gucci replica? Let's break it down. The Gucci Release Everyone's Talking About This season's newest Gucci handbag brings together modern structure with vintage charm. With GG monogram prints, thick gold hardware, and vivid leather finishes, it's clear the design is meant to make a statement. Fashion influencers and celebrities are already flaunting it across New York, LA, and Miami. But for most buyers, the real concern isn't style—it's price. With some models reaching over $3,000, it's no surprise that even loyal Gucci lovers are exploring more affordable options. Why Gucci Replica Bags Are Gaining Attention In 2025, the market for Gucci replica bags has evolved dramatically. High-quality replicas no longer mean cheap materials or obvious fakes. Instead, modern fake Gucci bags are crafted with meticulous attention to detail—from stitching and hardware to logos and dust bags. Shoppers who can't justify luxury prices are turning to these alternatives for one big reason: You get the Gucci look without the Gucci cost. Here's why Gucci replica bags are getting positive reviews: ✅ Made with premium faux leather or real calfskin ✅ Nearly identical in design and branding ✅ Perfect for fashion shoots, events, or everyday luxury ✅ Ships faster and costs up to 80% less than the original Consumer Opinions: Original vs. Gucci Replica The Gucci release may be beautiful, but it's not for everyone. Many women across the USA, especially younger Gen Z and Millennial buyers, are choosing fake Gucci bags for style experiments, travel, or even gifting. 'Honestly, my Gucci replica looks exactly like my friend's real one—except I didn't pay $3,200.' – Jenna, 27, Miami 'I bought a fake Gucci bag just to test how it fits into my wardrobe. The quality shocked me. I'm buying another soon.' – Tara, 34, Chicago While purists argue for authenticity, others are embracing fashion flexibility. ⚖️ Is It Worth Buying the Real Gucci? If you're a collector or brand loyalist, owning an authentic Gucci is about more than style—it's an emotional investment. But if you're looking to express your fashion sense without overspending, a well-made Gucci replica offers unbeatable value. You can wear the trend, feel the luxury, and still keep your savings intact. �� Final Verdict: A Matter of Smart Style The new Gucci release is bold, sophisticated, and runway-worthy. But for everyday shoppers, the rising demand for Gucci replica options shows a shift in fashion priorities. People want smart style—not just brand labels. Whether you choose the original or a fake Gucci bag, what matters most is how you wear it. And in 2025, confidence beats the price tag every time. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Los Angeles Times
5 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Paula Deen abruptly closes restaurant that launched her to celebrity chef status
In the late 1990s, Paula Deen was an independent restaurateur whose family-operated restaurant had just received a glowing review from USA Today. Her life and career were permanently changed. Now, over 25 years later, the Georgia native has announced the closing of the Lady and Sons — the iconic restaurant that made her a star of Southern cuisine and a household name in the cooking world. Opened in downtown Savannah, Ga., in 1996, the Lady and Sons boasted a menu of local classics like fried green tomatoes, banana pudding and hoecakes. The signature dish, Southern fried chicken, was enough to draw lines wrapping around the block — and the restaurant came to be viewed as an embodiment of the indulgent and buttery flavors that characterize Southern cooking. 'There in Savannah, Paula Deen's homestyle Southern menu at the Lady and Sons turned me into a ravenous beast, unmindful of manners, cholesterol, North-South diplomacy and the dropped jaws of my companions,' USA Today, then the nation's most-read daily newspaper, wrote on Dec. 17, 1999. Earlier that year, the popularity of the Lady and Sons caught the attention of Food Network journalist Gordon Elliott. Deen appeared on Elliott's short-lived show 'Door Knock Dinners' that led to her own Daytime Emmy-winning Food Network program, 'Paula's Home Cooking.' On her website and social media accounts, Deen bid farewell to the Lady and Sons and its longtime fans. Also closing is her newer restaurant, the Chicken Box, which opened in 2023. 'Hey, y'all, my sons and I made the heartfelt decision that Thursday, July 31st, was the last day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box,' Deen said in the statement. 'We will now focus our attention on the four Paula Deen's Family Kitchen locations across the country.' The announcement came without warning, especially as the restaurant continued to draw tours and lines of customers. Three weeks prior to the announcement, the Lady and Sons posted on Instagram that it was hiring for all positions. Over the years, some of Deen's other restaurants have also closed suddenly. In 2014, employees at Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House — a Savannah eatery she co-owned with her brother, Earl W. 'Bubba' Hiers Jr. — reportedly arrived to work to find the doors locked and the appliances removed. A sign on the door said, 'Thank you for 10 great years. Uncle Bubba's is now closed.' The Panama City, Fla., location of Paula Deen's Family Kitchen also closed abruptly in 2019, laying off 30 employees without advance notice. Several former employees told local news channel WJHG that they were left without their main source of income following the closure. Uncle Bubba's closure came a year after controversy began to surround Deen after a former manager at the restaurant sued Hiers, alleging sexual and racial discrimination. Food Network canceled 'Paula's Home Cooking' after Deen admitted to using a racial slur during a deposition for the 2013 lawsuit. Lawyers asked Deen if she had ever used the N-word, to which Deen replied, 'Yes, of course,' later adding, 'It's been a very long time.' Since then, the 78-year-old has focused on her restaurants. The Lady and Sons, as her core establishment, was the result of a litany of personal struggles and ambition. Both of her parents passed away when she was in her early 20s and Deen, then a young mother, struggled with depression and agoraphobia, or fear of going outside. With only $200 left, Deen founded a catering company out of her kitchen called the Bag Lady. Her handmade bag lunches were delivered by her sons Jamie and Bobby and earned Deen a local reputation for her homestyle cooking. After one attempt at a restaurant, the Lady in 1991, the follow-up, the Lady and Sons, co-owned with Jamie and Bobby, would be her success.
