Lost in Previews: W.E.

W.E. is a combination of a period piece melded with a story in the present.  The focal point of the film is the scandalous relationship between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII (Edward).  He famously abdicated the throne to marry Wallis and the throne passed on to his younger brother Bertie who became king as King George VI.  A little of this story is told in last year’s The King’s Speech.  The way of telling the story, mixing the past with the present, very much reminds me of Possession which is told through letters as well.  The cast includes Andrea Riseborough, Natalie Dormer, Abbie Cornish, Annabelle Wallis, Oscar Isaac, Katie McGrath, James D’Arcy, and Richard Coyle.  Madonna directed the film and just picked up a Golden Globe for Best Song.  The trailer is pretty good, and I am intrigued enough to want to see this.

“Madonna’s W.E. is a beautifully crafted, passionate tale about the search for true love in the modern world, viewed through the prism of one of history’s most fabled romances. The year is 1998, and Manhattan is abuzz with anticipation about the upcoming auction of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. But the auction is far more than a diversion for Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish), a transplanted Southerner trapped in an unhappy and abusive marriage. Transfixed by the exquisite artifacts of the Windsors’ lives, Wally becomes obsessed with the love story of Wallis Simspon (Andrea Riseborough), the chic, charismatic American who captured the heart of King Edward VIII (James D’Arcy). As she learns more about the sacrifices Wallis made in choosing to be with Edward, Wally finds the courage to follow her own heart and create her own happiness.”

W.E. is in theatres February 3, 2012.

by Sarah Ksiazek