BUT CAN SHE DIRECT? :: The twentieth in a series as we countdown to the release of Madonna’s new album, and tour. I finally got the chance to see Madonna’s W.E this past weekend. I know – I’m so fucking late. I received a media viewing pass in September when the film was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival, but I was so caught up in Madonna actually being here (see this), I got my dates mix up and I missed it. So, there I was alone last week in a small, Toronto theatre watching “the greatest love story of our time.”
Before I praise Madonna for the work she did, let me get my critichttps://thegayguidenetwork.com/wp-admin/edit.php?post_type=pageism out of the way. The love that Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough) and Edward VIII (James D’Arcy) have for each other does not grow organically in the film. I didn’t believe the development of their infatuation for one another because, frankly, those scenes must have been cut. The storyline goes from Wallis and her then husband visiting the Prince (Edward), to the next scene where they send her husband home and from then on, they are together. It was rather awkward.
I also think that the other main actress in the film, Abbie Cornish (Wally Winthrop), has received the short-end of the stick. Her acting is absolutely impeccable, and the job she does in W.E is beautiful. Madonna has hardly ever mentioned her name when discussing the movie, and she hasn’t made half of the appearances that Andrea Riseborough has made to promote the movie. I found her character to be much more captivating than Simpson, and I found it sad that she has not been acknowledged for the amazing performance she gave.
The sets, costume design, jewelry, hair and make-up, cinematography and historical accuracy that this film has is visually stunning. It is definitely a period piece, and the research and development of the characters and location is beautiful. Kudos to the director. If you had told me that this was an experienced director’s film with twenty years of work under their belt, I would have believed you. It is a beautiful film, with an even more beautiful soundtrack. Both the music and the visuals are reminiscent of Evita – another historical period piece for which Madonna won a Golden Globe. Although W.E is not a musical, it’s no wonder why the original compositions (by Abel Korzeniowski) have been acclaimed. The soundtrack is absolutely charming and the music definitely adds to the film’s story and emotion.
I would definitely recommend seeing this film – if not for the development of its plot, then explicitly for its historical and aesthetic elements. It’s a beautiful film to watch, and I can’t imagine a better Valentine’s Day movie for you and your loved one. I will be seeing it again this evening. Alone.
Only GayGuideToronto.com and Philip Tetro have received the brand new Madonna fragrance Truth or Dare! We can’t say much more than that yet, but stay tuned! More Madonna Watch here.
