What a howler music documentary Madonna: The Name Of The Game, from 1993, is. Presented by Troy McClure alike (albeit with Ned Flanders’ stylist) Mark Bego, it’s got all the insight of a tabloid article, and the production values of an Alan Partridge corporate video. And nothing says Madonna like an ABBA hit for a title, right?
Purporting to go deep into the life and career of “the undisputed goddess” Madonna, Bego talks to the people who adore her (fans and lookalikes at a Madonna convention, uber-fan Queerdonna, etc) there are ten second clips of brawling paparazzi, and best of all, interview moments with her meathead brother “and aspiring rap artist” Martin Ciccone, who’s about as articulate and appealing as a spatula in a muscle vest.
There’s some ridiculous claims ( “no-one works harder”); many skipped-over details (no mention of Martha Graham, her band The Breakfast Club, or her- ahem!- “adult movie” role) and nothing fresh at all, in terms of career insight.
The production team obviously couldn’t even secure the rights to her music, resulting in videos without sound and a tinny ‘funk’ backing track, and shots of Her Royal Madgeness walking around film sets with her team of minders and hangers-on, often covering her head. Still, it’s worth a watch for its irredeemable naffness, and it’s camp as a pointy bra. It’s immaterial, girl.
Available to watch via streaming outlets.
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