As my 88th AFI 100 watched film, I have to say I was so disappointed! Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (#67) was not at all what I expected and never ended up impressing me whatsoever. Starring Elizabeth Taylor (Martha), Richard Burton (George), George Segal, and Sandy Dennis, the film is a four-person dialogue that depicts the struggling relationship of Taylor and Burton. There are only two other characters in the film that are uncredited. Most of the story takes place in George and Martha’s house.
I did some research after watching the film to learn that all four credited characters in the film were nominated for an Academy Award, and that the movie was the only movie in history to be entered into every Academy Awards category. The film is based on the play of the same name and holds very true to original writing, except with some toned down language due to the time of its release. Taylor also put on 30 pounds in order to play the fiftyish, plain role of Martha. I think she’s barely recognizable from the beauty that she normally played.
I just can’t get behind these types of angry, yelling interpersonal films. Or maybe it was just this film because I do enjoy dramas. This just wasn’t for me, although I guess I can see how the closeups would be innovative.
AFI 100 remaining=12
Interesting to know.
Good post.