Review of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) by Aimee A — 02 Jan 2011

This is one of those films (much like Passion of Joan of Arc is) that make spectators realize the profound impact that film can have. At least, it definitely had one on me.

There is sharp and piercing dialogue where every line is more powerful than the one preceding it. It has a completely incredible ensemble of actors that take their characters and made them into personal, believable flawed human beings disparaged by the perils marriage. Every single person in this is enigmatic but the crowning glory goes to Elizabeth Taylor who is Martha; a crude and slew wise cracking but ruthless woman. Richard Burton who is George as her supporting co-star deserves credit for his performance as well. They just mold into their roles of an aging couple who thrive on childish games and bullying to get by in their warped sense of marriage; essentially a pitiful love-hate relationship that has been going on for 22 years.

It keeps you glued to the screen as a voyeur watching the tension rise and you start questioning the reasons why these people are so cruel to each other and what their motives and intentions really are. Also, the ending is so unexpected and a surprising twist. There is so much hostile emotion, it can be melodramatic (what great drama film isn't?), but fit in dark comedic parts into an already superb script and everything is impeccably balanced.

Netflix it, rent it, catch it on TV. Watch it however you can but don't miss it.