Review of W.E. (2011) by Francesca R — 16 Feb 2012

I really enjoyed W.E. Yes, was it entertaining and beautifully shot but I also found it quite moving and it's stayed with me. I even had a dream about the Russian security guard last night, for chrissakes. I don't understand this huge wave of criticism leveled at Madonna and the film. I wonder if it had been released with a different director's name on it - would it have been so maligned. It seems everyone just couldn't wait to pounce on it and rip it to shreds, because it's a great opportunity to be snarky and to trot out all sorts of pseudo-witticisms at the director's expense.

How easy is it to write "it was like a music video" when, in fact, I don't feel there was anything at all that fit that description. I thought the domestic violence was treated in a tremendously visceral way and the love scenes got me hot. And not because they were "two hot bodies writhing" - instead I felt a strong emotional undercurrent that pulled me into the intimacy.

The dual story lines fascinated me, and I felt the performances were understated and authentic. The casting was inspired. Instead of choosing movie stars, Madonna opted for solid actors who did not fit the Hollywood standards of beauty, yet were attractive and immensely appealing. Instead of trading on fame, these performances relied on, um ... acting.

The film's exploration had everything to do with class, gender and marriage as well as love. Who we choose to love and what we'll give up for it. And what happens on the other side of the "happy ending.".

Andrea Riseborough's twist at the end of the film, literally brought me to tears. Madonna has zeroed in on the small acts that ultimately define a love.

In contrast, The Descendants left me cold.