Oh, rich white chicks. Is there anything they love more than directing period piece love stories? Today brings us the trailers for two such stories. The first for the British royal Madonna drama, W.E., the other for Angelina Jolie’s tale of forbidden love in the Balkans, In the Land of Blood and Honey. Sidenote, I really enjoy the phrase “Madonna drama.” “Sorry, Roy, I won’t be coming into the plant today.” “Aw, Bill, that’s too bad. What’s the matter?” “Oh, you know. Just Madonna drama.”
The trailer for W.E. is above. Here’s the rundown:
W.E. is a romantic exploration of the mysterious connection across decades between two women confronting the consequences of desire. Caught in a loveless Manhattan marriage, abused and frustrated Wally (Abbie Cornish) obsesses over Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough), the stylish American divorcee who captured the heart of Edward the VIII (James D’Arcy) who abdicated the throne as King of England. As the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis spends the rest of her life in the glare of celebrity exile. Inspired by the Duchess‟ determination to pursue love in the face of social exile, Wally escapes into the arms of another man (Oscar Isaac) whose love sets her free. [LiveforFilms]
Oh no, you mean he gave up his duties as England’s fake king for a life of rich, white, NON-ROYAL leisure? My stars, love truly does conquer all. What a brave man, to give up all that ceremonial title for… (*checks wikipedia*) …a governorship of the Bahamas followed by a 30-year retirement to France. Thanks, Madonna, this story is truly an inspiration to us all. (I got through approximately 25 seconds of that trailer. You?)
Meanwhile, Jolie’s Bosnian War picture is set to open in the middle of Oscar season.
“In the Land of Blood and Honey” is set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War in the ’90s and shows how human relationships and behavior are deeply affected by living inside a war. This bold new film illustrates the consequences of the lack of political will to intervene in a society stricken with conflict. The film features a completely local cast, most of whom were children of the war. The film was simultaneously shot in English and their native language. During the time of the war the language spoken was Serbo-Croatian and is now referred to as BHS. [LatinoReview]
The familiar face in there was Rade Šerbedžija (GRRR, CONSONANTS), whom you may remember as Boris the Blade from Snatch. Anyway, it certainly looks Oscary, but I have to wonder: wouldn’t it have been better with former Lakers/Kings center Vlade Divac playing all the parts?
“There, there. Vlade love you. But can Vlade trust? Vlade torn up inside.”