Review of Orlando (2007) by Rockmary M — 24 May 2009
An intriguing, postmodern feminist head trip, about an immortal man (Tilda Swinton) who changes into a woman many centuries on only to discover the great divide between the sexes. And yet, none of this plays out how you might imagine.
Events occur, but never in such a manner that they beat you about the head with their thematic obviousness. Each leap in time (roughly 50 years apart) reveals yet another piece to the puzzle that is Orlando who, upon becoming a woman, notes only that man or woman, she is still the same person, no difference.
As a man, she never quite felt right, never fell in love, never found her purpose. This is all contrasted with her struggles as a woman: she seems more comfortable in her skin, but exists in a society and at a time (the late 19th century) that forbids her certain rights.
The film ends on a happy - if bizarre - note, fast-forwarding just enough to reveal that women's rights do eventually pay off and the angel sings from on high. No - an angel LITERALLY sings from on high.
Fascinating, unforgettable but...perhaps a bit too aloof for its own good.
This review of Orlando (2007) was written by Rockmary M on 24 May 2009.
Orlando has generally received very positive reviews.
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