Madonna Premieres ‘W.E.’ at 68th Venice Film Festival

Madonna is legendary. Not only did she change the face of pop music forever as the world's top-selling female recording artist ever, but she's made a name for herself on the big screen as well. First, there was 'Evita,' which she starred in back in '96, and yesterday (Sept. 1), the 'Like a Prayer' hitmaker made her writing/directing debut with 'W.E.' at the 68th Venice Film Festival.

Madonna graced the red carpet premiere wearing her Sunday best -- a long, flowy grey dress spotted with red butterflies and a pair of red satin heels to match. She kept her sunglasses on for much of the event, perhaps to shield out some of the camera flashes, or simply to keep up her 'somebody important' style. We have to say, however, that for her age (she's 53), Madonna is stunning.

While Madge's 14-year-old daughter Lourdes doesn't make an appearance in any of the red carpet photos, she was very much in attendance at the 'W.E.' premiere. In the film, Madonna's teen portrays a young Wally Winthrop, who later becomes the Duchess of Windsor.

As for the film itself, it got mixed reviews. The Hollywood Reporter, for one, didn't seem too impressed -- they said that the flick "looks good in an expensive music video sort of way," but "feels artificial, programmed, rote. Especially dreary is the slow-burning affair between Wally (Cornish) and Evgeni, the security guard, who just don't seem meant for each other on any level."

In any case, Madonna's 'W.E.' project drops in the U.S. on Dec. 9.