Review of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) by Cinema F — 18 Jul 2009

There are more emotional punches delivered in this drama than in a heavyweight boxing championship match.

Elizabeth was a decade or so too young for her role as the foulmouthed yet seductive wife, and Richard, the perpetual weakling husband, gets revenge on her. For Taylor, it's a brave try for playing the shrewish and vulgar Martha, yet Burton was better as George, the vitriolic and defeated husband with whom Martha shares a night of invective and bitter revelation.

The film is Edward Albee's dissection of a turbulent marriage, and how it is mercilessly exposed. It is quite the indictment against marriage, especially after the love has died. It's far from the whole story of marriage. There are many who stay married longer than George and Martha and happily. But it wasn't in Edward Albee's life experience to draw from.

Some memorable quotes:

Martha: Is that a threat George, huh?

George: It's a threat, Martha.

Martha: You're gonna get it, baby.

George: Be careful Martha. I'll rip you to pieces.

Martha: You're not man enough. You haven't the guts.

George: Total war.

Martha: Total.

I guess the theory is almost true to itself: the late night and the liquor bring out the worst in everybody. A whole lot of ugly truths get told.