Movie Review: W.E. (2011)

I wasn't sure what to expect from this film given that Madonna was co-writer and director but suprisingly I liked it.  The film follows two women: Wally, a woman in a loveless marriage in late 90's New York City played by Abbie Cornish and Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who inspired King Edward III's abdication of the British throne played by Andrea Riseborough.  Wally, named for Wallis, longs for what she sees as a great love story like what Wallis experienced with her prince and she lives vicariously as she explores an exhibit at Sotheby's of the Windsor estate.  But was Wallis' story really the ultimate love story?  The focus is generally on what the king gave up to be with Wallis, but was he the only one who sacrificed for love?

The best part of this film has to be the costumes, makeup, and hair, which is breathtaking.  From the bonus feature (The Making of W.E.) I learned that the Wallis character had around 50 costume changes.  The acting in this film is also quite good, especially Riseborough as Wallis and I liked Abbie Cornish as well.  The domestic violence scenes are a bit much but overall I thought this movie was a treat.  It's especially interesting to viewers who have seen "The King's Speech" and remember the mention in that film of King Edward's abdication for Wallis Simpson and how this led to Bertie taking the throne.  I give this a solid B+ for beauty and an interesting storyline plus a nice job by Madonna.