Madonna took Venice Film Festival by storm last night (1 September), at the premiere of her latest movie, W.E., a romantic drama charting the controversial relationship between divorcee Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII. As ever, the queen of pop stole the show in a Vionnet butterfly dress and iconic red frame sunglasses - but reactions to her latest stint in the director's chair were a little more mixed. While The Independent applauded the film's "sheer zest and craftsmanship," The Guardian attacked it as "primped and simpering folly, preening and fatally mishandled."

But then, Madonna's 32-year flirtatation with films has always had the ability to divide opinion. Her depiction of Argentine heroine Eva Perón in 1996 musical Evita won her a Golden Globe, while Swept Away, a 2002 rom com directed by her then-husband Guy Ritchie, was a commercial failure and widely ridiculed.

Below we look back at some of the highs and lows of Madonna's ever-diverse film career, with clips, takeouts and trailers from the movies in question.

What are your thoughts on Madonna's acting and directing career? Share your views in the comments section below.

Filth and Wisdom, 2008

ABOVE: A trailer for Filth and Wisdom, Madonna's directional debut based on the lives of three flatmates struggling to survive in London. The film was widely panned by critics, with one describing it as a "dumb and tacky comedy-drama."

Swept Away, 2002

ABOVE: A trailer for 2002 rom com Swept Away, starring Madonna and directed by her then-husband Guy Ritchie. Ritchie admitted it was difficult filming the more steamy scenes between his wife and co-star Adriano Giannini, saying "I directed the scenes from about three feet away... with a very sharp stick."

Die Another Day, 2002

ABOVE: Madonna appears alongside Pierce Brosnan in a cameo as a fencing instructor for Bond thriller Die Another Day.

Evita, 1996

ABOVE: Madonna stars in a clip from movie Evita. She won a Golden Globe for Best Performance in a Comedy/Musical for her portrayal of Eva Perón in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

Desperately Seeking Susan, 1985

ABOVE: This movie became a Eighties cult classic, sparking copycat looks and and stengthening Madonna's already stellar star status. Co-star Roberta Arquette won a BAFTA for her role as the suburban housewife who enters the exciting world of Susan (Madonna).

Body Of Evidence, 1993

ABOVE: Madonna joins William Defoe in "titillating" Nineties drama Body of Evidence. The film sparked controversy in US over its explicit sex scenes.

A League Of Their Own, 1992

ABOVE: Madonna appears in a clip from comedy drama A League Of Their Own, co-starring Tom Hanks, Rosie O'Donnell and Geena Davis. The film, based on a World War II women's baseball team, was a box office hit and was nominated for a slew of awards.

A Certain Sacrifice, 1980

ABOVE: Blurry outtakes from Madonna's first ever movie, low-budget crime drama A Certain Sacrifice.