“My concerts are always my escape. I get onstage and I just forget everything but the music and the audience. The minute the lights go out, I’m back to … well, reality.”

That was Madonna, Monday night, at the after-party celebrating the premiere of her film directorial début, the offbeat and often charming "Filth and Wisdom."  

Madonna, beautiful but perilously slender in a modest black frock, did not elaborate on her current “reality.” Perhaps she did not need to. Conspicuously absent was her husband, director Guy Ritchie. The official word? He’s shooting “Sherlock Holmes” in London. (Memo to Guy: airplanes.) On the other hand, who knows if Madonna wanted him at her big night? Earlier this year, I watched her do the good wife bit at a special NYC screening of his movie, “Revolver.” They seemed affectionate and still amused with each other. More recently, and less amused, she was by his side for “RocknRolla” in London.

To lighten the mood, I complimented Madonna on her film, which is often sordid (surprise!), and also (big surprise!) quite uplifting in its feel-good, sing-along ending — a crazy mix of punk and gypsy music. “I love that everything works out, that it’s a happy ending,” I said. Madonna replied with feeling, “Oh, there always has to be a happy ending, right? I’m very strong on a happy ending. And a sense of humor, if I can keep a sense of humor right now, I’ll be OK.”

I looked down and pointed to her shoes. “Well, apparently, you’re keeping some sense of humor. Aren’t your high-heels shaped like revolvers?” Madonna kicked back a shapely leg and popped a calf muscle. “Yes, they are revolvers. And I might be shooting somebody pretty soon.” At that, M’s omnipresent manager, Guy Oseary, led her away to be petted by others — possibly to keep her from any more not-so-veiled remarks.

Late Flash! It’s official. Madonna and Guy will divorce. The news broke this morning. I am not surprised, but rather sad. I think both of these strong-willed people gave it their best shot. Especially — yes, especially! — Madonna. She does not take marriage lightly. In that she remains very Catholic.

——————————

Even though it is always fashionable to say Madonna is “over,” the Cinema Society’s Andrew Saffir pulled in a sizzling crowd for La Ciccone — Dolce and Gabbana also hosted the night, even though M, that perverse little minx, did not wear D&G. 

The paparazzi, barricaded behind the red carpet in front of the Landmark Sunshine Theater down on Houston Street, were in heaven — and vociferously vocal — for the likes of Oliver Stone, basking in good reviews for his compelling “W.” movie, Jessica Alba (she had that post-pregnancy glow), Brooke Shields (ravishing), America Ferrara (looking a million times prettier than at the recent Emmys), Vanessa Williams (like Brooke, eternal in her allure), Jeremy Piven (studly and sexy and on the prowl), Lake Bell (who was a knockout in practically no makeup!), Chace Crawford and Ed Westwick (two “Gossip Girl” hotties), Judith Light (still an advocate of Proactiv Acne medications!). Also Juliette Lewis, Russell Simmons, Alan Cumming, Padma Lakshmi, Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss, Erika Christensen, Fred Schneider, David Blaine, Michael Imperioli, Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts and a gorgeous, radiant Lindsay Lohan. 

Lohan was all shapely legs and a long mane of hair, which appears to be going progressively back to her natural and more flattering auburn. She was not with her significant good friend, Samantha Ronson. The paps all but lost their minds as Lohan strutted and posed.