The fated W. (Wallis) and E. (Edward) Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

TORONTO -  W.E was magnificent! It did not lack soul, it was pleasing to the eyes and ears...I laughed, I cried, at times I was horrified. I must admit that I bought into some of the unfair criticism that is bound to occur when Madonna directs a film. I can't wait to learn more about what inspired Madonna to want to direct this film. I have heard that she always had great creativity and input with her music videos, Her experience and true artistic intregrity shows in this film. I was pleasantly surprised. If you liked Amelie, the Kings Speech, Room with a view and Black Swan, you will love this film. If she directed it under an alias, it probably would have had Oscar Buzz.

It is a shame that false accusations were given more attention that the film itself. I was there. Madonna was gracious last night. Very graceful and giving and then I popped over to see the Premium Screening of a Documentary about Neil Young, it was amazing!!!

Madonna did not ask volunteers at the Toronto International Film Festival to face away from her, says the Material Girl's publicist.


A statement from Liz Rosenberg was issued on the red carpet Tuesday night refuting a report in the Globe and Mail that said volunteers were asked to turn their faces to a wall so they would not see Madonna as she walked to a Monday news conference for her new movie, "W.E."

"Neither Madonna nor her security ever gave instructions for the volunteers to turn away from Madonna," Rosenberg said in the statement.


"In fact she was so impressed with the volunteers that she publicly thanked them from the stage for their hard work before the premiere of her film last night which earned a standing ovation. She had a wonderful time at the festival and was especially delighted that she got to spend so much time with her fans in front of the theatre which is a famous tradition at the festival."



Rosenberg said she can't figure out who made the request of the volunteers. The Globe cited a volunteer who said such a request was complied with.



"(Madonna) has never and would never ask anyone to do that ever," said Rosenberg.



It is the second time in recent days that the performer has been accused of imperious behaviour.



At a recent news conference at the Venice Film Festival to support "W.E.," a fan presented Madonna with a bouquet of hydrangeas. She promptly declared that she loathed the flowers, and later made fun of the incident with an online video.



"W.E." jumps back and forth through time to tell two stories: Andrea Riseborough plays Wallis Simpson, the controversial American whose romance with Edward VIII ultimately led to his abdication of the throne, while Australian actress Abbie Cornish portrays a downcast modern woman who is obsessed with her.



The film, Madonna's second directorial effort, has received decidedly mixed reviews.



The Toronto International Film Festival wraps Sunday.