Tags
1960's, Drama, Elizabeth Taylor, George Segal, Mike Nichols, Psychological Drama, Richard Burton, Sandy Dennis, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Film Title
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Director
Mike Nichols
Cast
- Elizabeth Taylor as Martha
- Richard Burton as George
- George Segal as Nick
- Sandy Dennis as Honey
One of the most emotionally fraught, honest and unremittingly uncomfortable looks at marital dysfunction ever to appear on the screen, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? still has the power to pack a punch with its acerbic dialogue and committed performances. If you’re looking for a successful translation of a famous play to the screen, then look no further than this drama.
Martha and George, a college history professor and his wife return home in the early hours of the morning. There marriage is by turns loving and savagely cruel. Martha, who drinks too much and roars like a harpy constantly berates George about everything, while George is equally adept at playing these childlike games with her. Martha announces that she has invited a biology teacher and his wife over for a nightcap. It is here that all the venom within each of them begins to surface. When Nick, the handsome teacher and his meek wife Honey arrive at the house, Martha and George immediately launch into one of their many games, that eerily mirrors their troubled marriage. Soon, the young and seemingly innocent couple are drawn into this verbal war zone, and as the drinks continue to pour and as the early hours wear on, the vicious words and psychological abuse take full effect on all of them. Secrets are unearthed and grievances aired as the young couple watch the effects of a damaging marriage, while showing that there’s isn’t exactly on solid ground either. As an audience, you will be paralysed with shock at the violent effects of words and the volatile relationship of the central couple. But, don’t let the grim premise put you off, because if you do you will miss the talented Mike Nichols crafting a startling and full-blooded vision of marital confusion that will never be forgotten once it has been.
The use of black and white in the film exceptionally conveys the stark situations that the characters are stuck in. The editing style, mainly close-up’s and cuts to long shots help back up the verbal volleys that the feuding couple inflict on each other throughout the film. Above all, it is the acting the lingers longest in the memory. Elizabeth Taylor sheds her glamorous image to deliver an electrifying Oscar-winning performance as the monstrous and abusive Martha. But instead of creating an evil caricature, she imbues the character with a strange sort of sympathy and sadness that makes us realise the internal anger and pain that lie inside of her. Equally matching her is Richard Burton’s portrayal of the weary George, who although he tolerates Martha’s abuse, the audience comes to see that he is the one who has the upper hand as the games get evermore personal. Sterling support is added by George Segal and especially Oscar winner Sandy Dennis, who gives a performance full of neurotic tics that reveal her uncomfortable feelings with the situation unfolding before her eyes. The script is one of the most scathing , honest and corrosive things I think I’ve ever heard, the cast delivers the lacerating words with conviction, emotion and above all, power. One needs to remember how controversial the film was upon release, mainly because of the language used. And even though the years may have lessened some of the impact, the bruising words still have a raw and intense power that is hard to escape.
Mike Nichols delivered an auspicious debut with this film that surely ranks as one of his best, along with The Graduate. If you can handle the arguing and emotional impact of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, then I advise you to see it as it is uncomfortable and unflinching in its view of a broken marriage, but rewarding because of the excellent performances captured.
Colin said:
You know, I have had this movie sitting on the shelf for a few years now as part of a Burton/Taylor boxset. For one reason or another it’s remained unwatched. I think the last time I saw it was maybe 25 years or so ago when I caught it on TV and I was instantly impressed by its rawness and emotional power. Excellent summation – it’s just moved up nearer the top of my need-to-watch list.
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vinnieh said:
Glad it’s made you consider watching it again.
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Garrett said:
It’s a truly memorable debut by Nichols. Burton and Taylor are just great here. Great review!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, much appreciated.
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Cavershamragu said:
Not an easy film to like but it is impossible not to admire and thankfully well-preserved on DVD too. I’ve always been intrigued by those who interpret it as a coded gay drama and I think you could play it that way – which is to say that it is robust enough to enjoy varying interpretations, surely the sign of great drama. Saw it on stage in the West End in 1996 with David Suchet and Diana Rigg in the leads and it was terrific. Great write-up Vinnieh.
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vinnieh said:
I bet it was something special on the stage with the amazing Diana Rigg.
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Cavershamragu said:
Even harsher than Taylor and less overblown – very impressive if more cerebral all round really.
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monstergirl said:
Wonderful overview of the film! Glad you covered it-Cheers Joey
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vinnieh said:
Thank you very much, glad you liked my review.
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cindybruchman said:
oohhh, this film is dark and depressing. The M. Nichols camera angles, I recall, stood out for me. The shadows, the dark, the smudged makeup and the toxic relationships make it a disturbing watch. Edward Albee is as dark a playwright as Tennessee Williams. I enjoyed your review.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, it really is a dark look at marital dysfunction. The camera angles are so good at conveying the confusion and toxic nature of the relationship.
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ruth said:
I have yet to see Taylor-Burton movies, I’m curious about this one and of course Cleopatra which is very different from this one, ahah.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, hope you get round to seeing more Taylor Burton films. They were both talented actors.
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Mark Hobin said:
An acting tour de force. Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal and Sandy Dennis all give Academy Award worthy performances. The film was nominated in every single category it was eligible format the Academy Awards for a total of 13. Taylor and Dennis actually won.
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vinnieh said:
Wow, didn’t realise it was up for that many. As you say the film is an acting tour de force.
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jcalberta said:
Taylor and Burton at their best. Who else could pull this off?
(Well .. perhaps O’toole and Hepburn (A Lion in WInter))
Taylor – that rarest of things – a beauty who was also a great actress.
Nice study.
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vinnieh said:
Really appreciate the comment.
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mcpervy said:
Wonderful review. I couldn’t have described this film any better. This might be my favorite movie of all time. The writing, directing and acting are as good as it gets. The first time I saw it I had to stop part way into it to make a run to the liquor store so I could drink along with them, although it probably should have made me give up alcohol forever. This is the movie that made Elizabeth Taylor one god damned fine actress forever in my heart
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for your kind words. It’s a really visceral movie of emotions spiling out that is so electrifying to watch. Elizabeth Taylor really gave it her all and her commitment shows in her warts and all portrayal of Martha.
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mcpervy said:
I’m craving another viewing of this movie as well as a Buffy marathon ..I’m thinking season 3
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vinnieh said:
Those are both excellent choices to watch anytime.
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beetleypete said:
An absolute powerhouse of a film, with spellbinding examples of old-school acting from real ‘film stars’.
Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
It was one intense experience and the cast really sold the atmosphere of nastiness and grievance. Really palpable emotions.
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