Madonna: Live to Tell

In December 1985, Madonna starred in the film Shanghai Surprise, where she toned down her appearance, inspired by Marilyn Monroe. Madonna held the look for the "Live to Tell" video. The locations in the film are separated visually from the shots of Madonna, who is singing in a darkened studio. Unlike her previous videos, Madonna portrays a narrator, whose song comments on the story, appearing in shots completely different from the narrative action. She appears to speak for the character, addressing his problems directly, like the chorus of a classical tragedy.