The Examiner Review of W.E!

Rating: A-

Madonna’s "W.E." is one of the most pleasant film surprises in years!

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"W.E." will open in select Chicago theaters on December 9th, 2011.

Madonna is the most famous female pop artist of all-time.

However, the words "Madonna" and "film" usually don’t go together.

Just go watch the films "Shanghai Surprise", "Swept Away", "The Next Best Thing", or "Body of Evidence".

Behind the camera, however, Madonna the director proves to be almost as brilliant a Madonna the pop star.

"W.E." deals with the romance between King Edward VIII (played by James D’Arcy) and Mrs. Wallis Simpson (an Oscar performance by Andrea Riseborough).

It may not completely tell the truth about their romance, and it may overshadow some of Mrs. Simpson’s negative aspects, but that doesn’t really matter; this is not a historical film.

The romance is seen from the eyes of Wally Winthrop (played by Abbie Cornish), who begins a torrid affair with a Russian security guard (played by a Latino, Oscar Isaac):

She comes to realize that the romance between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson was not nearly as perfect as she fantasized.

It is told in a way that Madonna can pick and choose what aspects of Mrs. Simpson’s life she wants to bring into focus.

Unfortunately, the modern day story doesn’t work as well as the story of the main subjects of the film.

In the scheme of things, it’s only a small blip on the radar of an excellent movie.

The film’s past and present scenes look absolutely stunning—even far more appealing than any 3D movie out there, even though this is a 2D film.

Madonna’s touch is all over the scenery.

The musical score, done by Abel Korzeniowski, is also enthralling and brings more life into the already lively scenes.

Madonna’s fans will truly appreciate this film, because it is obvious Madonna identifies with Wallis Simpson.

When Simpson is upset about the way she is judged and feels powerless against her detractors, fans will think of the way Madonna is treated.

However, if "W.E." is truly judged on its own merits rather than the image people have of the woman who directed it, perhaps Madonna can expect to finally win the artistic accolades she deserves.


source: peter buchanan