Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
1966’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a searing film based off Edward Albee’s controversial 1962 play of the same name. The movie, which was Mike Nichol’s (The Graduate) directorial debut, broke many boundaries in the world of cinema. Never before have audiences seen a movie with provocative language and sexual tendencies displayed here. Despite extreme pressure, the film was released to rave reviews from critics and audience alike. The film only has four main characters and really only one location, but the searing, angry dialogue grabs you and keeps you hooked. Modern audiences may think of Aaron Sorkin when taking in every bit of the dialogue. This was also a box office success thanks to the powerful combination of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, perhaps the most publicized couple of the 1960’s.
Edward Albee’s play had a successful Broadway run, but people believed it could not be adapted to the big screen because of the strict Production Code. If you studied film, you would know that the 1960’s heralded a sweeping change in cinema. The Production Code was abolished, and the rating system was created in 1968. This film helped begin that rating system. Ernest Lehman, who also wrote The Sound of Music, decided to keep the dialogue intact the way it was in the play. The MPAA and the Catholic Division strongly advised against that, but they eventually gave in. Lehman’s screenplay is still the angry indictment against marriage that Albee’s play was. The screenplay is a roaring ball of flame that was enlarged by the excellent cast.
It is really hard to give an exact description of the plot. It is after two in the morning. George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) are just coming home from a party. The married couple are bitter people, especially towards each other. Martha is bossy and overpowering while people could classify George as a wimp. Without George knowing, Martha invited a younger couple from the party over to the house. Nick (George Segal) and Honey (Sandy Dennis). The older couple uses these two unsuspecting people and plenty of alcohol to emotionally abuse each other. It is about to be a wild night.
On first glimpse, people think this film is a two-hour drama of an angry couple yelling at each other. In a sense, it is. It got overbearing in the beginning, but you are won over when you realize the direction the film is headed. Burton and Taylor are absolutely fantastic, and they sell you very well the emotional games they play. Elizabeth Taylor was considered the most beautiful woman in the world, so it was surprising she added thirty pounds in weight for the role. She nailed it and absolutely deserves her Best Actress win. George Segal and Sandy Dennis likewise knocked it out of the park. Especially Sandy Dennis. Her extremely drunk portrayal is very realistic.
What a way to begin a film career, huh? Mike Nichols, who would later on direct classics like The Graduate and The Birdcage, immediately made a name for himself in Hollywood. Nothing like working with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton for you very first film. He directed the film like an expert. He also took advantage of the technical side of things. The cinematography is excellent. Haskell Wexler is a great cameraman and both he and Nichols worked very well to come up with some unforgettable camera shots. By this time, black-and-white cinematography was not popular anymore, so it was risky not using color. It definitely worked! Alex North composed a very nice score for the movie as well.
Overall, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a fiery, searing work of art. The dialogue is angry and bitter. There are some words of hope and optimism but do not go expecting a whole lot of that. In terms of some marriage, this film could be seen as very real. This is a film that shocked audiences when released. No one thought this could ever be seen on the movie screen the way it was. Even to modern audiences, it still is shocking. After a slow start, I was mesmerized myself with this character-driven piece. This is Elizabeth Taylor’s best role, and nothing else compares.
My Grade: A-
1966’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a searing film based off Edward Albee’s controversial 1962 play of the same name. The movie, which was Mike Nichol’s (The Graduate) directorial debut, broke many boundaries in the world of cinema. Never before have audiences seen a movie with provocative language and sexual tendencies displayed here. Despite extreme pressure, the film was released to rave reviews from critics and audience alike. The film only has four main characters and really only one location, but the searing, angry dialogue grabs you and keeps you hooked. Modern audiences may think of Aaron Sorkin when taking in every bit of the dialogue. This was also a box office success thanks to the powerful combination of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, perhaps the most publicized couple of the 1960’s.
Edward Albee’s play had a successful Broadway run, but people believed it could not be adapted to the big screen because of the strict Production Code. If you studied film, you would know that the 1960’s heralded a sweeping change in cinema. The Production Code was abolished, and the rating system was created in 1968. This film helped begin that rating system. Ernest Lehman, who also wrote The Sound of Music, decided to keep the dialogue intact the way it was in the play. The MPAA and the Catholic Division strongly advised against that, but they eventually gave in. Lehman’s screenplay is still the angry indictment against marriage that Albee’s play was. The screenplay is a roaring ball of flame that was enlarged by the excellent cast.
It is really hard to give an exact description of the plot. It is after two in the morning. George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) are just coming home from a party. The married couple are bitter people, especially towards each other. Martha is bossy and overpowering while people could classify George as a wimp. Without George knowing, Martha invited a younger couple from the party over to the house. Nick (George Segal) and Honey (Sandy Dennis). The older couple uses these two unsuspecting people and plenty of alcohol to emotionally abuse each other. It is about to be a wild night.
On first glimpse, people think this film is a two-hour drama of an angry couple yelling at each other. In a sense, it is. It got overbearing in the beginning, but you are won over when you realize the direction the film is headed. Burton and Taylor are absolutely fantastic, and they sell you very well the emotional games they play. Elizabeth Taylor was considered the most beautiful woman in the world, so it was surprising she added thirty pounds in weight for the role. She nailed it and absolutely deserves her Best Actress win. George Segal and Sandy Dennis likewise knocked it out of the park. Especially Sandy Dennis. Her extremely drunk portrayal is very realistic.
What a way to begin a film career, huh? Mike Nichols, who would later on direct classics like The Graduate and The Birdcage, immediately made a name for himself in Hollywood. Nothing like working with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton for you very first film. He directed the film like an expert. He also took advantage of the technical side of things. The cinematography is excellent. Haskell Wexler is a great cameraman and both he and Nichols worked very well to come up with some unforgettable camera shots. By this time, black-and-white cinematography was not popular anymore, so it was risky not using color. It definitely worked! Alex North composed a very nice score for the movie as well.
Overall, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a fiery, searing work of art. The dialogue is angry and bitter. There are some words of hope and optimism but do not go expecting a whole lot of that. In terms of some marriage, this film could be seen as very real. This is a film that shocked audiences when released. No one thought this could ever be seen on the movie screen the way it was. Even to modern audiences, it still is shocking. After a slow start, I was mesmerized myself with this character-driven piece. This is Elizabeth Taylor’s best role, and nothing else compares.
My Grade: A-
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