Madonna realises she has "a lot to learn" about filmmaking

The singer-turned-director has faced criticism about her new movie `W.E.` - a two-tiered tale about the love life of late British monarch King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson, and a modern day New Yorker named Wally - and she hopes people will go to see it because she has put so much effort into it.

She said: "I come to the art of filmmaking with great humility; I respect it immensely as an art form and I know I have a lot to learn.

"It would be great if people liked my movie and it`s a success because that means I will be able to influence people. Let`s be honest, one doesn`t put all this hard work and effort into something, then say, `I don`t care if people see it or not, I don`t care if people like it or not.` I hope it finds an audience."

The 53-year-old star - who is currently dating 24-year-old dancer Brahim Zaibat - understands she is a source of controversy but hopes she can use it for good.

In an interview with Radio Times magazine, she said: "I`m well aware that everything I say and do is judged with a different measuring stick to most people. I`m under the magnifying glass in a way that other people aren`t. But I can also use that. I can influence people."

sections: Celebrities