As always, Madonna caused a commotion as her newly directed film ‘W.E’ screened at the 68th Annual Venice Film Festival to a standing-room-only press conference. Making a grand entrance to a standing ovation at one of the most packed press conferences in years, reporters rushed the stage to get a glimpse and cell phone photo of the world’s most interesting star.
Her film, W.E., tells the parallel stories of the life of Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who forced British King Edward VII to abdicate the throne in order to marry her, and a modern day woman obsessed with Simpson’s story.
The movie’s stars Abbie Cornish, Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy flanked their proud director on the red carpet.
Of course there to talk to Madge about her new film, journalist’s questions ranged from the obvious to out-there personal. Variety was inside the press conference and here’s a snippet:
What first attracted Madonna to the story of “W.E.”?
“I was deeply and utterly swept up by the reasons why Edward VIII would give up the throne, relinquish his great position of power, for love.”
Would Madonna give up her throne for a man or woman?
“I’d give it up for both, or all three.” (Laughter, cheers)
“How long have you worked on this movie”?
She researched “W.E.” for seven years, and wrote with Alek Keshishian for three, Madonna answered.
How did Madonna handle her spiritual path?
“When you make a film, you have to have strength of mind and karma and soul.”
As with any director’s film, multiple personal references can be read into “W.E.” Madonna wanted to make the point, she said, that “no matter how beautiful and glamorous your surroundings, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed happiness.”
There were moments of candor: Madonna admitted “W.E.” was “a really big project for me to take on.”
But the press conference with Madonna ended up being about Madonna. As a last question, key cast were asked their opinions of her (D’Arcy was probably the best, saying earlier Madonna was “a very clear communicator and a good laugh”).