Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

1966 • 130 minutes
4.9
7 reviews
96%
Tomatometer
R
Rating
Eligible
Watch in a web browser or on supported devices Learn More

About this movie

Elizabeth Taylor delivers an Academy Award-winning performance opposite Richard Burton in this adaptation of Edward Albee's groundbreaking Broadway play that rips the façade of civility off the dysfunctional marriage between an alcoholic college professor and his shrew of a wife during a dinner party the two host for a young couple.
Rating
R

Ratings and reviews

4.9
7 reviews
Xander Raith
October 19, 2021
The psychological furry of a vile crushing marriage: The film Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf released in 1966, directed by Mike Nichols, and written and produced by Ernest Lehman, portrays the intensity of a hostile and passionately tormenting relationship between husband and wife. The couple, Martha, played by Elizabeth Taylor, and George, played by Richard Burton, thrive off the insecurities of their relationship, humiliating each other to their wit’s end, unashamed to expose others to their psychological warfare. The film displays and unfastens any formal restraints Martha and George uphold, showcasing their raw emotions and perplexing relationship. Both Taylor and Burton portray shrewd dialect, numbed emotional responses, sincere body language, and aggressive vocal tones, which helps illustrate the hostility of their relationship. Fueled by copious amounts of alcohol, Martha and George push themselves to their breaking point, using the presence of new community neighbors to facilitate profoundly disturbing interactions. George and Martha corner and verbally abuse each other beyond any discernible form of conventional, like bloodthirsty animals hunting their prey. Beyond the verbal furry and tactile leverage each aims to holster, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf is very unique in the sense that it is a violent film without the presence of physical brutality. Instead, the ferocity is manifested as psychological violence intended to toil with the character’s inner self and expose their vulnerabilities. Through a series of games and confrontations that influence the divulgence of personal truths, Martha, George, and their house guests are pushed past their limits until each ultimately submits to the individualized assault. As an audience member, I did find the movie disturbing but also captivating. The scenes themselves are nothing short of passionate resentment and cruelty. However, the acting by both Taylor and Burton is masterful. The authenticity behind the portrayal of their characters enamors the viewers and keeps them resolutely engaged. Overall, despite the reality that the film is nearly 60 years old, shot entirely in black and white with limited audio quality compared to today’s film standards, the movie is a timeless work of art that remains relevant to modern social dynamics. The film recognizes the reality of imperfection, the complexity of relationships, and the hardships of sustaining them. Although Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf is intense and unsettling, I enjoyed the unique emphasis placed on the film’s plot and acting style, and I highly recommend the movie to anyone who appreciates the value of intimate relationships.
Did you find this helpful?
Trish Mcgrath
January 14, 2021
Wow..i.will.rent.it.tm.2021
Did you find this helpful?

Rate this movie

Tell us what you think.