W.E.
Short description
W.E. moves between two love stories separated by more than sixty years. In 1998 New York, Wally Winthrop, trapped in a loveless marriage to a successful psychoanalyst, becomes absorbed by the story of Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée for whom King Edward VIII gave up the British throne in 1936. Wally's fixation takes shape around an auction of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's possessions, and the lives of the two women gradually reflect each other. Edward's decision to marry a twice-divorced American cost him his crown; Wally, inspired by Wallis's resolve, begins to consider her own path toward happiness.
Directed by Madonna from a screenplay she wrote with Alek Keshishian, who also produced with Kris Thykier, the film was Madonna's second feature as director. Abbie Cornish plays Wally, Andrea Riseborough plays Wallis, James D'Arcy plays Edward, and Oscar Isaac appears as Evgeni, with Richard Coyle and David Harbour among a credited cast of twenty-eight.
Released in 2011 with a budget of 15 million dollars, the film returned only about 2 million dollars worldwide. Audiences rate it modestly, at 6.2 on IMDb from 14,000 votes and 6.3 on TMDB from 312 votes. A critics' rating of 4.2 from 111 reviews places it below those audience scores.
What's left behind the scenes
- Vera Farmiga was long considered the main candidate for the role of Wallis Simpson. The actress dropped out of the project due to pregnancy and was replaced by Andrea Riseborough.
- Citing creative differences with Madonna, producer David Parfitt and casting director Nina Gold left the project during pre-production.
- This is the second joint project for Abby Cornish and Oscar Isaac, within a single year. In 2011, the actors also starred in Zack Snyder's film "Sucker Punch."
- The Weinstein Company, which acquired the film rights in the US, promoted it as Madonna's directorial debut. The 2008 film "Filth and Wisdom," despite its 81-minute runtime, was classified as a short film by the American distributor.
- A wedding dress by renowned designer Michael O'Connor, belonging to the National Museum of Costume in Scotland, was used during filming. The museum management responded with great enthusiasm to the filmmakers' request. The same dress was previously used in the filming of the television film "Wallis & Edward" (2005), where it was worn by Joely Richardson.
- The Golden Globe-winning song from the film "Masterpiece" did not meet the criteria of the American Film Academy and therefore could not be nominated for an Oscar. It begins approximately a minute after the first credits appear, whereas, according to the rules, the very beginning of the credits is the latest permissible moment.
- Up until the very last moment, Madonna hoped the film’s premiere would be at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. However, the film was not ready by the scheduled date. Only specially selected excerpts from the film were offered to distributors and exhibitors who had arrived at the festival.
- James and Laurence Fox, who played the roles of father and son George V and George VI (Prince Albert) in the film, are also father and son in real life.
- One of the Cartier bracelets made for the film slipped off Andrea Riseborough’s wrist and was lost at sea. A replacement was immediately ordered for it.
- The role of King Edward VIII was initially offered to Ewan McGregor. After he dropped out of the project, he was replaced by James D'Arcy.
- The renowned firm of Cartier was enlisted to recreate a significant collection of Wallis Simpson’s jewelry. Through their efforts, ten pieces of jewelry were recreated, including an emerald engagement ring. The filmmakers were also able to use some of the surviving real jewelry of Wallis Simpson, which was kept in the archives of the major French jewelry firm Van Cleef & Arpels and was constantly accompanied by strong security on set.
- As preparation for the role, Madonna asked James D'Arcy to learn ballet, horseback riding, and bagpipe playing.
- Costume designer Arianna Phillips began her work a year before filming started. Wallis Simpson's wardrobe in the film consisted of over 80 costumes, many of which were made by the most prestigious European fashion houses. In addition to completely new designs, preserved costumes from that period were also used, as well as costumes specially made to the measurements and samples found in the archives. A total of 60 costumes were made for Wallis Simpson and about 30 for Edward.
- Several pieces of jewelry belonging personally to Madonna were also used during filming. In the scene where Wallis sprays perfume on the flowers, her black and white pearl and diamond earrings actually belonged to Madonna.
- The role of Lady Thelma Furness was initially offered to Margot Still. The actress dropped out of the project due to disagreements with Madonna.
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