Madonna's Film Highlights

Will she or won't she? Madonna has been making headlines again with rumors of an impending marriage to Guy Ritchie, British director and father of their four-month-old son.

The singer and actress, 42, recently released a new album, "Music." In this album, Madonna continues the exploration of electronic music that began with her 1998 Grammy-winning album "Ray of Light."

Madonna also starred this year in "The Next Best Thing," a movie which received tame coverage compared to the scandals that have surrounded her previous films. In this movie she plays a woman who accidentally gets pregnant by a close gay friend. Here are some of her other roles.

Evita (1996)

Directed by Alan Parker. Starring Madonna, Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Pryce

"Evita" manages a smooth leap from stage to screen in Mr. Parker's version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera.

Madonna takes the leading role as the charismatic Eva Peron, a chief figure in Argentine politics between 1944 and 1952. She began her career as a prostitute but transformed herself to nightclub performer to movie star to an object of mass veneration.

With Oliver Stone's influence on the screenplay in full evidence, "Evita" touches upon the brutality of the Peron regime. The political implications of Evita's liaison with Juan Peron (Pryce), Argentine dictator, are also explored.

Antonia Banderas plays the leftist Che, a character who is interwoven throughout the story. The plot is conveyed through music.

Truth or Dare (1991)

Directed by Alek Keshishian. Starring Madonna, Warren Beatty, Kevin Costner and Sandra Bernhard

Madonna enlisted Keshishian, a Harvard graduate, to follow her around with a camera during her 1991 Blond Ambition tour. More of a documentary than a straight movie, "Truth or Dare" reveals candid glimpses into Madonna's life. Footage includes concert footage, family visits, dance practice and even a visit to the dentist.

Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)

Directed by Susan Seidelman. Starring Madonna, Rosanna Arquette, John Turturro, Aidan Quinn and Laurie Metcalf

A screwball comedy about Roberta (Arquette), a bored New Jersey housewife who escapes her mundane life through the exploits of Susan (Madonna). After Susan places a personal ad in a newspaper, Roberta travels to New York City to witness a meeting between Susan and her new beau. En route she bumps her head, loses her memory and is mistaken for Susan.

However, trouble lurks; Susan has a contract out on her life.

Madonna had not yet reached the heights of superstar when she starred in "Desperately Seeking Susan," but the film still exudes her charismatic presence.

by Joe Yong-hee