Have you ever met someone in your life that you perceived could truly “Do it all?”
Perhaps even the talents/gifts or beauty of that individual may have even brought you to contemplate the possible ‘threat” they may have to your livelihood?
Maybe this is why people are so quick to dismiss anything that Madonna does in Hollywood. She is just simply too brilliant at everything else that they don’t want to admit she MIGHT just be good at what they do too, God forbid she be recognized for it.
While I am hesitant to believe that anyone in the industry will be running to give Madonna accolades for her Directorial MASTERPIECE “W/E”; I am not hesitant to give her mine.
As my partner and I took our seats to see one of the first-ever American presentations of “W/E.” he leaned over to me and asked;
“What’s This About?”
This time of year I take him to see dozens of movies. As an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, they are handed to me free of charge in a bid for my “Vote” for consideration in the impending awards race. He, like a perfect spouse, attends them all with as much joy and excitement as the last. God bless him, my King.
“A love story, between the Duke and Duchess of Windsor” I answered in summary
“Should I know about them?” He questioned
For a man of his genius, I think he was a bit disappointed he hadn’t.
W/E is a modern love story told in tandem with the classic and historic love affair between King Edward VIII and American socialite-divorcee, Wallis Simpson. In a punk rock romance that traumatized a nation and left the King to renounce the throne, these two souls saw fit to persevere through the public’s evil eye with the will to escape and live out their romance in just. With a joie-de-vivre for the love they shared with one another Wallis reminds us “Not every love story is a fairy tale”.
In a “history-repeats-itself” kind of presentation, Madonna chooses to strategically invite the audience to experience the events of their affair by introducing us to Wally Winthrop, a 28 year old trophy wife who appears to have it all – Sexy philanthropic husband, gorgeous Manhattan penthouse, a wardrobe any girl would LOVE taking up space in her closet, not to mention the namesake of our beloved heroine, Wallis Simpson.
But as we quickly learn; Nothing is ever what it seems.
In a 1998 Sotheby’s auction for the estate of The Duke & Duchess, Wally wanders with intention amongst the belongings of our star couple. As she picks up important artifacts from the past, Madonna beautifully uses these moments to transport us back in time to pivotal moments in the historic duo’s life. While making her rounds through the artifacts she encounters the designs of Evgeni, A handsome Russian gentlemen who heads the security team at the prestigious auction house.
As the plot unfolds we see comparisons between the modern Wally’s tribulations within her own marriage, and that of Wallis’s many failed attempts at finding true love. I am carefully going to bow out of sharing with you too much of more of the intricate details of the film for fear of blowing some of it’s most charming moments.
But lets get to the point …
Madonna “The Film Director”
I remember the first time I watched the video for Madonna’s “Express Yourself” back in 1989. At the time, it was the most expensive music video ever made, using camera tricks and set pieces then only found in Hollywood blockbusters. The director? A then unknown visionary named David Fincher. Fast forward today, and inevitably you now know the catalogue of Mr. Fincher’s work; “Fight Club”, “Seven”, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons” and most recently last year’s Oscar heavy hitter “The Social Network”. Mark Romanek (Bedtime Story), Chris Cunningham (Frozen) and her former husband, Guy Ritchie (What It Feels Like for a Girl) all round out the crème de la crème of directors the superstar has employed over the years.
It’s no wonder that being around such greatness influenced M’s directorial choices.
Many films today do a good job of either 1) communicating a story, or 2) Providing a feast for the eyes to ogle at; but rarely both. W/E grants permission for all of your senses, and your soul. With a sympathetic approach to the action, the camera tiptoes in and out of our characters lives as if it were simply, a fly on the wall. Weaving carefully about the action to allow you to feel as though you are a part of it.
Arianne Phillips, Academy Award nominated costume designer (for Walk The Line), gives us, yet again, another Oscar worthy wardrobe to fantasize over. From the carefully selected vintage pieces of Mrs. Simpson (SCHIARPARELLI FOR HEAVENS SAKE!!!) to the modern classics, like Dior and Tom Ford, Arianne clearly knows what she is doing. A long time collaborator of Madonna’s, you see the “evidence of this brilliant” in her tongue-on-the-floor work.
And lets not forget about the performances. Though top billing in this feature goes to Abbie Cornish, who does a lovely job as the modern Wally Winthrop, the real star of the show is virtual newcomer, Andrea Riseborough, whose interpretation of the late Mrs. Simpson begs you to wish the entire movie were solely about her. From her every nuance and intonation, to her American-living-in-Brittan accent (Wallis was from Baltimore) she had me at her very first look in the opening frame. What a star this lady is, and if she is not recognized for her work here in this film, you can bet money on her future in Hollywood.
The rest of the cast resonates equally as well; James D’Arcy does a compelling job of portraying the ostracized King. I particularly enjoyed the way he captured the man’s warmth while also showing us the boy that never really grew up. Oscar Issac, also a new face, gives such charm to Wally’s suitor, Evgeni, that you inevitably keep rooting for him to get his girl, much in the same way you would at a sporting event. Let’s not forget the ensemble which features a FLAWLESS portrayal of The Queen, By Judy Parfitt and The Stammering King George V, played by James Fox, just to name a few.
I am sure to be criticized for this review, no doubt. People will say; “You have never found fault with anything Madonna does” “She can do no wrong in your book”. To a lesser degree, these naysayers are accurate. I don’t find much fault with anything she does. But as a professional in my field, it is important to note that not everything in this film is perfect.
The script needs a ton of work. Had the story line been developed clearer, the audience wouldn’t have been rushing anxiously to get back to the historic scenes of The Duke & Duchess. I see where the writers were going (Alek Keshishian & Madonna) but its not executed in the most proactive way. Does it work; Yes. Could it have been better: Absolutely. It is confusing: certainly.
Some of the fancy imagery also could have been sparred for the less savvy audience. For example there is a scene with Wallis & Edward that takes place with them chasing each other around the tree. Almost magically the camera climbs up the tree to the clouds leading us … nowhere. I am sure Madonna had a very specific, perhaps spiritual, purpose for this shot but it left many a bit confused
For someone who – in my opinion- CAN DO just about everything, the one thing NOONE can refute is Madonna’s gift as a musician. As the credits scroll to the final “Special Thanks”, M lends her most precious gift, her music, as her signature. “Masterpiece”, a driven ballad produced by “Ray of Light” collaborator William Orbit, about what it’s like to live in the public eye and hang in a gallery for all to see, is definitely the cherry on top of this beautiful multi-layer cake.
As the lights came up my partner caught me softly wiping the tears from my face. He looked at me with an unspoken understanding, helped me put my coat on, and quietly escorted me out of the theater. As we began talking about the film, he said;
“As a footnote in history, it felt like an obscure topic to me. Who was this person and why, if it was a noteworthy story, hadn't I heard about them before?” “I was surprised that it WAS an interesting topic, and Madonna did a brilliant job of introducing so many to a woman many would have rather forgotten”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
While I am hesitant to believe that anyone in the industry will be running to give Madonna accolades for her Directorial MASTERPIECE “W/E”; I am not hesitant to give her mine.