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Susan Seidelman didnt set out to write a memoir.
Susan Seidelman on the set ofDesperately Seeking Susan, 1985
I never thought I would move there.
I had a lot of time to think about stuff, she notes.
Theres no getting around it.
Susan Berman starred inSmithereens,along with Television’s Richard Hell.
InSmithereens, its all about Wren and what shes wearing.
You just know something about them.
You applied on a whim to film school and got in.
Meryl Streep as romance novel Mary Fisher inShe-Devilis peak camp of the highest order.
But believe me, I needed that kind of validation.
At the same time, it was also the way things happened to come together.
It felt more meaningful than just talking about a specific scene.
Well, there was a kind of protection for me in that mix of naivete.
I didnt know how dangerous things could be.
You have to be bold.
Its a bit likeWheres Waldo?Im always hidden in there somewhere.
Susan Berman starred inSmithereens,along with Televisions Richard Hell.
Meryl Streep as romance novel Mary Fisher inShe-Devilis peak camp of the highest order.
So with Wren, I was interested in not having her fit into any of those categories.
Wren was from a working-class, New Jersey background.
I feel like theres a bit from your mom in it as well.
And I think that was a quality she gave to her children: Dont be afraid to fail.
Give it a shot.
If it doesnt work out, youll find something else or youll have another go.
I really feel like I really did stick to telling certain kinds of stories and I never waivered.
The proof is in the films.
I made the movies I wanted to make, and I didnt do it in a calculated way.
I know you cant always respond to a critic.
I never said anything but it bugged me.
How can you say that and not think its a personal attack?
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
Desperately Seeking Something: A Memoir About Movies, Mothers, and Material Girls
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