Liz Smith: ‘Reality’ Intrudes on Madonna Premiere
“My concerts are always my escape. I get onstage and I just forget everything but the music and the audience. The minute the lights go out, I’m back to … well, reality.”
That was Madonna, Monday night, at the after-party celebrating the premiere of her film directorial début, the offbeat and often charming “Filth and Wisdom.”
Madonna, beautiful but perilously slender in a modest black frock, did not elaborate on her current “reality.” Perhaps she did not need to. Conspicuously absent was her husband, director Guy Ritchie. The official word? He’s shooting “Sherlock Holmes” in London. (Memo to Guy: airplanes.) On the other hand, who knows if Madonna wanted him at her big night? Earlier this year, I watched her do the good wife bit at a special NYC screening of his movie, “Revolver.” They seemed affectionate and still amused with each other. More recently, and less amused, she was by his side for “RocknRolla” in London.
To lighten the mood, I complimented Madonna on her film, which is often sordid (surprise!), and also (big surprise!) quite uplifting in its feel-good, sing-along ending – a crazy mix of punk and gypsy music. “I love that everything works out, that it’s a happy ending,” I said. Madonna replied with feeling, “Oh, there always has to be a happy ending, right? I’m very strong on a happy ending. And a sense of humor, if I can keep a sense of humor right now, I’ll be OK.”
I looked down and pointed to her shoes. “Well, apparently, you’re keeping some sense of humor. Aren’t your high-heels shaped like revolvers?” Madonna kicked back a shapely leg and popped a calf muscle. “Yes, they are revolvers. And I might be shooting somebody pretty soon.” At that, M’s omnipresent manager, Guy Oseary, led her away to be petted by others – possibly to keep her from any more not-so-veiled remarks.
Late Flash! It’s official. Madonna and Guy will divorce. The news broke this morning. I am not surprised, but rather sad. I think both of these strong-willed people gave it their best shot. Especially – yes, especially! – Madonna. She does not take marriage lightly. In that she remains very Catholic.
Check out the rest of this story at WoWoWoW.com. Thanks to John.