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"The Edge of Love" gets a release date

by
browne

One of my most anticipated movies of 2008 now has a U.K. release date. The Edge of Love — a biopic about the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, starring Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller and scripted by Knightley's mother, Sharman Macdonald — will be the opening night film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on June 18. It will open in London two days later, and then across the U.K. June 27.

Why all this anticipation, I hear you ask? Well, if for no other reason, I'd be excited by this movie as a chance to see two actresses I really like together on-screen. With apologies to those people — and I know there are quite a lot of them, especially people from Pittsburgh — who find Sienna Miller madly annoying, I actually think that she's quite a good actress. And, no, it doesn't hurt that she looks like she does. (It doesn't hurt that Keira Knightley looks like she does, either.)

Adding to my interest, though, is the hint that the relationship between their characters might not be entirely platonic. In the film, Knightley plays Vera Phillips, a singer and former flame of Dylan Thomas', while Miller plays the poet's wife, Caitlin MacNamara.

Lindsay Lohan was originally attached to star in Miller's role, and back in 2006 she told MTV: "[Keira] is older than me, but she kind of has a mysterious relationship with my lover. And then there's somewhat of a lesbian undertone."

Of course, the tabloids instantly took the words "lesbian undertone" to mean "steamy threesome," and ever since Miller joined the project, the tabloids have been babbling on about "Keira and Sienna's sex scenes." This is in spite of the fact that Keira's mother squashed any hopes rumors of an overt sexual relationship between the two characters in an interview back in April 2007:

"What sex scene?" said a baffled Macdonald. "It's a friendship between women. Does one have to define that as lesbian? I don't mind, but really."

While one doesn't have to define a friendship between women as lesbian, one is certainly free to notice subtext. Since this article mentions that there are scenes where Keira and Sienna share a bed and a bath together — and since the film's openly gay director, John Maybury, has described the movie as "a really beautiful love story between the two girls" — I'm hoping that the bond between them may turn out to be something like the relationship between Helena Bonham-Carter and Alison Elliott in the excellent 1997 film The Wings of the Dove. An emotional connection that, even if not overtly sexual, is ultimately as complex and interesting as the relationships they share with men.

Are you excited about the movie? Or does the thought of a Keira-Sienna pairing, whether platonic or romantic, make you want to run a mile?

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    • Submitted by
    browne
    on April 14, 2008 - 9:00am.
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    pumice's picture

    I'm really interested...

    Submitted by
    pumice (46 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 9:05pm.

    Mmm... I love subtext, specially with those two women. I just hope its a good movie as well.

    If I get a chance I'll def see it.

    I don't want to doubt you
    Know everything about you
    I don't want to sit
    Across the table from you
    Wishing I could run.....

    -Cake, and what I live my life by.

    Penny_Lane's picture

    I would pay just to see

    Submitted by
    Penny_Lane (155 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 9:22pm.
    I would pay just to see Keira read from the phone book so I'll definitely be trying to see this movie. 
    myocardial_stunning's picture

    lol - damn right - me toooo!!!

    Submitted by
    myocardial_stunning (113 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 11:15pm.

    now thats true dedication -

    ~to cure rarely, to relieve often, but to console, always...~

    Sarah Hadley's picture

    Fantastic!

    Submitted by
    Sarah Hadley (7 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 9:37pm.

    That sounds...that sounds really, really good. I hope it gets at least a somewhat wide US release so I don't have to drive an hour to see it.

    And I *love* Sienna's fedora.

    TheWeyrd1's picture

    mmmm...Kiera Knightly....mmmm

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (631 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 9:42pm.
    So the problem lately, when I watch movies starring Ms. Knightly, is that I can't get the visage of her in the role of Domino out of my head. It really messes up the viewing of her in other films, especially period pieces. So, undoubtedly, if we get to see this over here in the U.S., I'll be having that picture of her (in her short hair and not much to wear with guns ablazin') once again overlapping onto the current character she is playing. And since Domino was a lesbian (even though the film avoided that aspect) it won't be hard to over focus on the subtext of this new film.
    Nothing's picture

    Kiera Knightly would not be my first pick for a lesbian

    Submitted by
    Nothing (461 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 10:19pm.

    romance, but hey, I'll take what I can get.  The movie sound like an art house film, just the kind of movie I enjoy.  So, yeah, I can't wait for it to come to the U.S.

    Shele

    Dancing-River's picture

    Thanks for talking about this

    Submitted by
    Dancing-River (73 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 10:23pm.
    This sounds really interesting. Dylan Thomas is one of my favorite poets, I will certainly be looking forward to seeing this.
    Emmanescence's picture

    HELENA

    Submitted by
    Emmanescence (109 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 10:23pm.

    I'm sorry, this is totally inappropriate, but I wouldn't mind Helena being in a lesbian movie. With me as her lover/girlfriend/life partner/"roomate".

    Again I'm sorry, but if you post a picture of her, my head spins.

    I'm always excited for a movie that actually has two women who are friends and their friendship isn't only second to their onscreen male relationship. Usually films revolve around a heterosexual relationship and their friends are just supporting actors, so I always enjoy seeing flms such as these. Or maybe I'm just excited to see Keira cuddling with a girl...no matter why.

    oops

    www.myspace.com/emmahuntermusic

    LAwoman's picture

    genre

    Submitted by
    LAwoman (9 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 10:46pm.

    These pics remind me of the last time I was in Scotland. Love the setting. 

    Let's see what the plot is playing? Who could not want to see what these characters are like with these two very very talented actresses?  Simple marketing- decent previews - money fo sure.  

     

    LA Money out.  

    Broadway Baby's picture

    Lesbianism for sure.

    Submitted by
    Broadway Baby (161 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 11:43pm.

    Kiera and Sienna! Sounds wonderful! Even though I have trouble remembering Sienna Miller's face and would probably not be able to pick her out of a crowd of penguins, I'm extatic that she replaced Lindsay Lohan. Maybe if Ms. Lohan had some decent parents and kept her life on track I wouldn't be so fearful of seeing her in a movie these days.

    As for the debate about platonic vs. lesbian, I think it sounds fairly certain that there will be a lil sumthin somthin going on whether it be hinted at or blatantly obvious, this is based on the description of the movie. And in liue of that, undertones aren't always bad, Fried Green Tomotes worked I think, and it left so much to the imagination that it was almost more enjoyable as a teaser than the actual thing (not that we don't all love the real thing). But it all feels more forbidden that way. My my opinion solely. Either way, sounds like it should be a good one. Now it's Kiera Knightly and who else that in the movie?

    ***UPDATE: So yeah I had to IMDB it and this is what I found. Looks like our little lesbianite dreams have come true. Must have been some powerful wishing you did there ladies!!!!!!!!!

    http://people.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1358637.php/Sienna_Mil...

    dec23rd1986's picture

    Im excited about it! I

    Submitted by
    dec23rd1986 (256 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 11:11pm.

    Im excited about it!

    I love Keira Knightley!! She's so hot! and i love her accent.

    When i heard about this film awhile back, i was happy to know there MIGHT be a lesbian scene! i was like "yeah!!" i hope to god there is! i will love her even more if there is.

    LB's picture

    ah, yes...

    Submitted by
    LB (73 posts)
    on April 13, 2008 - 11:26pm.

    I remember the stir Ms. Miller's stay in "Sh-ttsburgh" caused. I think we got even with her by throwing her out of a bar. Twice.

    That said, I find Keira Knightley quite classy and talented. Plus, I like the poetry of Dylan Thomas. So maybe I'll see the film for those reasons, despite Sienna's presence and the lack of substantial lesbianism.

    JETSTREAM's picture

    Sienna who? She committed suicide back in Pittsburgh

    Submitted by
    JETSTREAM (1 post)
    on April 14, 2008 - 1:44am.

    A film with shitt for brains Sienna Miller in it automatically has the kiss of death and is guaranteed to lose money for the producers.

    They don't even bother showing her films in Pittsburgh anymore because no one will buy a ticket to see her. A large percentage of Hollywood's Producers, Directors and Screen Writers attended or graduated from college in Pittsburgh, so they have all stated that they will never hire her. So Hollywood hates her, New York hates her, London hates her, so she's hiding in Wales? When she runs out of drugs, which country will she escape to next for a fix?

    Everyone loves Keira Knightley, but it's too bad no one will pay to watch her in a movie with that talentless actress wannabe, Sienna what's her name.

    Penny_Lane's picture

    I'm curious to know all

    Submitted by
    Penny_Lane (155 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 1:59am.

    I'm curious to know all these industry people who hail from Pittsburgh, I never knew it to be such a hot bed of entertainment activity. Good food though. 

    Amylin's picture

    Love the casting

    Submitted by
    Amylin (213 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 2:45am.
    If this movie is as good as those two women are gorgeous, it's going to be one hell of a movie! I only saw Sienna in "The Factory" and i thought she was SO beautiful... And Keira, well yes i like her, but not necessary the movie she makes, but i'd love to see that movie when it comes out, because i think they are going to be great together on screen. 
    juliet_love5's picture

    amazing ladies

    Submitted by
    juliet_love5 (3 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 3:40am.
    I read the summuray in imbd but I cant find anything 'lesbian'  we will wait and see  I hope the news are true keira is gorgeous
    Iloveit2008's picture

    Sienna..........

    Submitted by
    Iloveit2008 (18 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 4:40am.

    I must say, I think it's rather sad if people don't watch a film just because Sienna stated her honest opinion on a country. A little silly yes, but not warranting all the fuss it caused. More importantly, she is a great actress, very beautiful too. Keira is good too, and beautiful also. Could be an interesting film.

    P.S I hope you don't think I'm trying to cause trouble, it just baffles me that her comment made such a big fuss 

    Katie's picture

    Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe

    Submitted by
    Katie (69 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 5:12am.
    OK so yes its not the best film in the world, I mean it did come free with the Sunday paper but that sounds a little like this film, with the friendship between the two women, i think it has a lesbian undertone anywhoo.
    my_rain_face's picture

    "Fried Green Tomatoes" is

    Submitted by
    my_rain_face (129 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 7:01am.

    "Fried Green Tomatoes" is kind of a lesbian classic the same way "Thelma and Louise" is a lesbian classic without any overtly lesbian characters. If you read the book, Ruth and Idgie are very explicitly a couple, and the author, Fannie Flagg, came out a few years after it was published. If you run a search on this website, several references will pop up (check out the Rebound Review from August 07).

    siobhan's picture

    "..So she's hiding in Wales..?"

    Submitted by
    siobhan (96 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 5:16am.

    Hm. I hope that's not suggesting we're some kind of backwater?!

    I'm nervous about this film. I'm always nervous about films made about Wales/Welsh people, that are not written by Welsh people. They can become a little stereotypical with an array of bad Welsh accents. I hope Mathew Rhys saves the day.

    Fingers crossed.

    Iloveit2008's picture

    Wales

    Submitted by
    Iloveit2008 (18 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 6:36am.
    I've never been to Wales but I've seen photo's and it looks like it has some beautiful places there. Matthew Rhys is brilliant. Love him in Brothers and Sisters :)
    !Trashhh.'s picture

    Ooh, this looks fantastic.

    Submitted by
    !Trashhh. (24 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 8:12am.
    Ooh, this looks fantastic. I'm a huge fan of Keira's anyway (I loved Atonement, POTC, Pride and Prejudice, Domino etc) so I'll definately go and see it.

    -------------------------------
    Torchwood ftw.

    Jill Bennett Fan Club Forum JOIN NOW OMG!

    Punk_Rock_Princess's picture

    Am I right in thinking this

    Submitted by
    Punk_Rock_Princess (40 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 8:55am.

    Am I right in thinking this would be Keira's third lesbain-friendly role?
    I'm thinking 'Bend it Like Beckam' and 'Domino' for her other two.

    water-fly's picture

    i think Sienna is not a bad

    Submitted by
    water-fly (156 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 9:27am.
    i think Sienna is not a bad actress, only that she doesnt chose the best roles..but look at her in The Interview, she's great on that movie. Anyway, im looking forward to watching this movie, with Keira Knightley on it..it can't be bad stuff!!
    itcouldbeplanes's picture

    excitement

    Submitted by
    itcouldbeplanes (19 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 9:44am.
    super excited for this. I keep searching for stuff about this movie and for a while I couldn't find too much. hope a trailers out. and when it comes to the usa, I WILL be seeing it :)
    lubylou123's picture

    Exciteeeeeeeeed

    Submitted by
    lubylou123 (103 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 10:38am.

    I'm really looking forward to this film (but then again I always am when any Keira related film is released) It will be the first time I'll have seen a decent role from Sienna, as I've still yet to see Factory Girl and Interview.  Hope it lives up to my expectations, and hope a trailer is out soon!

     (And regardless of the nature of Keira and Sienna's relationship in the film, they couldn't really look and cuter together.  Any kind of lesbian undertone would just be an added bonus lol.)

     

    "Some of us have it worse Dana, OK?  Some of us are dating lesbian men."

    mak 23's picture

    no love from pittsburgh

    Submitted by
    mak 23 (141 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 10:44am.

     Unfortunately, I will not watch anything with Sienna Miller b/c of the lack of class and complete ignorance she displayed while in Pittsburgh. As a proud pittsburger, to hear anyone talk about my city the way that she did was just not cool at all.

    I however really enjoy Keira Knightly and wish that she was co-starring with someone else. 

     "I saw a flock of moosen. There were many of them...many much moosen!"-Brian Regan

    TheWeyrd1's picture

    I don't get this hating from Pittsburgh

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (631 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 10:59am.
    So Sienna disliked her time in Pittsburgh enough to say so...back in 2006. I used to live outside Cleveland. If I refused to watch any form of entertainment that included the involvement of someone who dislikes Cleveland, I wouldn't be enjoying much entertainment. For pete's sake...that was back in 2006. Don't we believe in the idea of LIVE and LET LIVE? Also, people do learn and grow. I doubt we'll ever see IN the media an apology to Pittsburghers if she has recanted, because it just would NOT be as sensational as when she said she didn't like Pittsburgh. Get over it already. Or focus on Kiera Knightly and pretend Sienna is some other actress...or maybe...focus on the characters they're playing and story... What a novel idea.
    mak 23's picture

    over it

    Submitted by
    mak 23 (141 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 1:28pm.

     I respect your opinion but just because you don't have a love for Cleveland as much as I love my home town doesn't mean that we should just "get over it already".  Pittsburgh is over sienna miller. honestly i didn't even know the woman existed really until she bashed pittsburgh.  I still won't go see her movie, but to be fair I had no urge to see her act before the pittsburgh bashing. regardless of either of our opinions, you can watch it and let me know how bad it is when it comes out  :)

    "I saw a flock of moosen. There were many of them...many much moosen!"-Brian Regan

    TheWeyrd1's picture

    Where in my comment did I say I don't love Cleveland...lol

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (631 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 2:14pm.

    Afterall, I was mostly raised in Ohio and most of it near Cleveland... Saw my first Broadway touring show in Cleveland. Followed closely by my first (and only) time seeing prostitutes on Prospect Blvd. Rooted for the ORIGINAL Browns against those hated Steelers...lol AND, most importantly, went to my first GAY BAR in Cleveland the night before my high school graduation (nothing like having a complete education!).

    So what will you do if it turns out that "The Edge of Love" is a good movie?

    mak 23's picture

    i'm stubborn

    Submitted by
    mak 23 (141 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 2:54pm.

     lol i didn't say you don't love cleveland...just not as much as i love pittsburgh! its not suprising that a former clevelander and a pittsburgher are butting heads..i think its only natural (i'm a huge steelers fan by the way)

    anyways, if the edge of love turns out to be a good movie...then i'll credit keira knightly lol! i actually do love her in movies so a part of me won't be suprised if it does well...espeically since most people will go to see it specifically b/c she is in it. but its gonna take a LOT to get me to see it...even if its good. i'm stubborn like that. i guess we'll just have to wait and see! :)

    "I saw a flock of moosen. There were many of them...many much moosen!"-Brian Regan

    jordan-writes's picture

    Yes! This is amazing!

    Submitted by
    jordan-writes (211 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 3:11pm.
    I mean I could really watch Keira in anything, but now I'm especially excited that she is going to be in a film the hints at the possibility of having a lesbian undertone! I'm easy to please. What can I say? I love me some Keira Knightley.
    eighTTen's picture

    mmm...mum is writing the

    Submitted by
    eighTTen (92 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 11:10pm.

    mmm...mum is writing the script?

    will look forward to watch it=)

    JessFojo's picture

    Keiratastic

    Submitted by
    JessFojo (13 posts)
    on April 14, 2008 - 11:49pm.

    I do enjoy me some Keira so will be looking out for this one. I vaguely remember hearing something about this a while back but didn't know Keira's mum was involved.

    Lesbian Tees & Gifts

    alexaloud's picture

    Need to see!

    Submitted by
    alexaloud (22 posts)
    on June 20, 2008 - 8:30pm.

    I'm not sure if this is getting a US release, so I'll need to find a stream or torrent of it. They make a gorgeous couple, even if it's purely an intimate friendship.

     

    Btw, Miller has clarified that she was completely joking about the Pittsburg thing. She wasn't being serious at all. I don't know what all the hubbub's about, but whatever. To each his own.

    andreea's picture

    I don't know why, but as

    Submitted by
    andreea (10 posts)
    on December 30, 2008 - 3:49pm.

    I don't know why, but as far as I knew this film was about alcohol rehabiliation. This is what I have heard, but I guess I was wrong. Anyway, I can't wait to see it because from what you are saying sounds pretty interesting.


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