OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Madonna is an icon whose impact on the music world is undeniable. From the early days of Like a Virgin to the rebellious Like a Prayer, she revolutionized pop music and reshaped societal norms with her unapologetic attitude and daring image. As a trailblazer in both music and visual aesthetics, Madonna remains as relevant today as she was in the ‘80s, constantly challenging expectations and pushing boundaries. However, one aspect of her career often overlooked is her impressive body of work as an actress, and among her film roles, Dick Tracy stands out as her most underrated—and arguably boldest—performance yet.
Released in 1990, Dick Tracy is an action-crime-comedy directed by and starring Warren Beatty, based on the classic 1930s comic strip. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble, including Beatty, Al Pacino, Glenne Headly, Danny Elfman, and of course, Madonna, who plays the femme fatale Breathless Mahoney. While the film itself may not have garnered the enduring fame of other pop culture staples from the ‘90s, Madonna’s portrayal of Mahoney is a masterclass in depth and complexity, making her performance one of the most compelling in her career.
On paper, Breathless Mahoney may seem like a typical femme fatale—a seductive, dangerous woman in a tight dress, playing both sides of the law in the seedy underbelly of a 1930s cartoon world. But Madonna infuses the role with an intelligence and vulnerability rarely seen in similar characters, elevating Mahoney to a level that rivals some of the greatest femme fatales in cinematic history, including Barbara Stanwyck’s Brigid O’Shaughnessy in The Maltese Falcon and Gloria Swanson’s Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. The physicality of her performance—a dance between innocence and guilt, beauty and danger—adds layers to the character, making her much more than just a trope. As Madonna herself said in an MTV Special in 1989, “Breathless wears a lot of tight dresses—those are her redeeming qualities. She has a vulnerable side, so if anyone can manage to be a villainess and vulnerable at the same time, that’s… interesting.”
What’s perhaps most striking about Madonna’s performance is the chemistry she shares with Beatty, who, after the film’s production, became her real-life partner. Their dynamic is electric, and it imbues the film with a sense of authenticity, making the relationship between Tracy and Mahoney convincing despite the film’s cartoonish stylization. The sexual tension between the two is palpable, adding an unexpected depth to their interaction and grounding the otherwise surreal world in emotional reality.
Dick Tracy’s distinctive, almost dreamlike aesthetic is one of its standout features. Its stylized, comic book-inspired visuals create a fantastical atmosphere that was ahead of its time. The film’s set design, costume choices, and Danny Elfman’s atmospheric score combine to create a hyper-real world that feels both vibrant and ominous, pulling viewers into its surreal realm. Madonna’s Breathless Mahoney fits perfectly into this world—she is a character caught between the bright, exaggerated visuals and the shadows of her own complexity.
Despite its critical success upon release and the strong performances across the board, Dick Tracy has been somewhat forgotten by mainstream audiences over the years. This oversight has left Madonna’s standout role largely uncelebrated, which is a shame considering the film’s unique qualities. While Madonna has since starred in other notable films, such as Evita and A League of Their Own, Dick Tracy remains her most underrated and arguably her boldest acting choice. The film’s mix of daring visuals, star power, and Madonna’s portrayal of a woman with depth and contradictions is a feat of cinematic artistry that deserves more recognition.
In a career full of highs, Dick Tracy shines as a hidden gem, one that showcases Madonna’s range as an actress and her ability to craft memorable, multifaceted characters. As the pop queen continues to evolve and take on new creative challenges, Dick Tracy serves as a reminder of the many facets of her artistry—one that deserves a place among her greatest achievements.