Madonna premieres new film at Venice Film Festival

Singer Madonna has premiered her film about Wallis Simpson at the Venice Film Festival.

The movie, W.E., about the US divorcee's relationship with Edward VIII, has received mixed reviews after its first screening at the Venice Film Festival.

Speaking to the press in the Italian city, the 53-year-old said she had "identified" with the woman blamed for the 1936 abdication crisis.

"I think it's very common when people become celebrities or public figures or icons that we are often reduced to a soundbite."