Chichester Cinema at New Park
W.E.
Madonna directs this rich, elegantly structured story of two women, decades apart, confronting the consequences of desire.
W.E. is a rich, elegantly structured exploration of the connection between two women, decades apart, both confronting the consequences of desire. Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish) gave up a promising Manhattan career to marry successful psychoanalyst William (Richard Coyle), but finds herself trapped in loveless marriage. She's obsessed with Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough), the intelligent and stylish divorcée who captured the heart of King Edward VIII (James D'Arcy).
After Edward abdicated the throne he and Wallis married, but as Duke and Duchess of Windsor they spent the rest of their lives effectively exiled from the UK. Frustrated by her husband's indifference and inspired by Wallis' pursuit of love in the face of social disapproval, when Wally meets an intriguing new man (Oscar Isaac), she finds herself drawn to him.
Madonna, who directs and co-wrote the screenplay (with Alek Keshishian), strikes a delicate balance between the romantic aspirations of the women and their strength and resilience. Working with a world-class team of collaborators, Madonna also gives us a film that is visually sensuous, without ever lapsing into period drama clichés.
UK · 2011 · Madonna · 114min
