Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 2, 2012 ‘W.E.’ presents new look at a 20th century celebrity by Dennis Seuling “W.E.” (Anchor Bay) is a revisionist look at Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough), the American socialite who married King Edward VIII (James D’Arcy), costing him the throne of England. Director Madonna frames the story with the modern tale of a Simpson relative, Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish). The contemporary story of the unhappily married Wally and the story of her ancestor are related simultaneously, with parallels -- sometimes awkwardly forced -- between the two eras. Riseborough’s fine performance accomplishes the difficult task of making a woman who was demonized by an entire country over seven decades ago seem sympathetic. The actress resembles Simpson, and goes beyond the then-ubiquitous newsreel footage of Simpson, which typically captured her in impeccable attire and a frozen smile. Viewers see the reaction of the public, who regarded the divorced American as a social-climbing opportunist who Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough) and Edward, Prince of Wales (James D’Arcy) are lovers despite public outrage in ‘W.E.’ threatened the British royal succession, but from Wallis’ point-of-view. Essentially, “W.E.” is a soap opera about two women -- one famous, the other anonymous -- imprisoned in bad marriages and seeking more fulfilling relationships. It is also a look at the downside of fame, when a high-profile individual gives up all sense of privacy and is subject to public vilification. Having been media fodder for decades, Madonna is no stranger to this theme. Nevertheless, “W.E.” attempts to portray in heroic terms two decidedly unheroic individuals. Edward, who assumed the title of Duke of Windsor after renouncing the throne, not only was a playboy wastrel, but was also sympathetic to the rising Nazi regime in Germany. It was probably a relief to the royal family, the British populace, and the world that Edward stepped down in favor of his brother, who was less flamboyant and eminently more level-headed. The only bonus on the Blu-ray release is a making-of documentary featuring Madonna. “Haywire” (Lionsgate) is an action thriller from director Steven Soderbergh (“Contagion”). Mallory Kane (Gina Carano), employed as a private contractor for Kenneth (Ewan McGregor), is a highly-trained government operative who works in the dirtiest, most dangerous corners of the world. After successfully freeing a Chinese journalist who was being held hostage, she is double-crossed and left for dead by someone close to her in her own agency. Instantly the target of skilled assassins who know her every move, Mallory must find the truth to stay alive. Using her black-ops military training, she devises an ingenious and dangerous trap. When things go haywire, Mallory realizes she will be killed unless she can turn the tables on her ruthless adversary. (continued on next page)