A royal affair? Madonna’s W.E. causes a storm

She may have died in 1986, but it appears Wallis Simpson still hasn’t found respite from her controversial legacy.

Having sparked a constitutional crisis in 1936, after King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne in order to marry her, you’d have thought the American socialite’s ability to split public opinion would have peaked.

What Simpson probably never banked on was her story being appropriated by Madonna; an international celebrity with a complicated romantic history and personal experience of the difficulties that come with courting not just British men, but also this country’s venomous media and suspicious public.

A Mission For Her Madgesty

Known the world over for her daring career pop career and attempts to conquer Hollywood, the world’s foremost Material Girl has put her heart and soul into bringing W.E. (the title stands for the initials of its two main protagonists Wallis and Edward) to the silver screen. Not only has she had to finance the majority of the directorial debut herself, but with actors and producers dropping like flies it has also suffered painstaking delays.

So what have the critics made of her passion project? Well when it debuted at the Venice Film Festival last year it certainly caused a storm – just not the type Madonna may have hoped for. The Guardian began it’s review declaring: “Whatever the crimes committed by Wallis Simpson…it’s doubtful that she deserves the treatment meted out to her in W.E.” while Digital Spy rhetorically asked “Is it really that bad?” before answering affirmatively “In truth, yes.”

Granted the Telegraph and Daily Mail have been more positive in their appraisals. Andrea Riseborough’s lead performance as the Duchess of Windsor has been widely commended, while the sets and costumes have been lauded for their sumptuous attention to detail.

A Right Royal Mess?

Nevertheless, despite the positives it appears Madonna’s decision to interweave the historical narrative with a love story set in 90s New York is where most commentators have directed their ire.

The second tier story, which sees married Simpson obsessive Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish) fall for auction house security guard Evgeni (Oscar Isaac), attempts to emotionally tie the two female leads together as their respective troubles unravel before the audience’s eyes. Does Madonna make it work? Well you don’t have to wait long to make your mind up...

W.E. is out nationwide tomorrow – check out the official trailer below for a taster.

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