Review of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) by Fernando Rafael Q — 27 Mar 2011
Mike Nichols's (Closer) film debut, adapted from Edward Albee's play, is an intriguing mazelike mess of marital troubles. In this tense movie, George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) compose the ultimate screwed-up relationship.
Incisive, extraordinary script by Ernest Lehman (West Side Story, North by Northwest) allows for some stunning performances to erupt. Taylor is at her scenery-chewing best, Burton is even better in a restrained, ice-cold turn.
George Segal is certainly impressive as morally ambiguous Nick and Sandy Dennis is devastatingly perfect as naïve Honey. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is like a dinner party thrown by a dysfunctional family: intermittently entertaining but ultimately uncomfortable and a little too long.
Though unpleasant it may be, you cannot look away.
This review of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) was written by Fernando Rafael Q on 27 Mar 2011.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
