Movie Screening: Chanya Button's Vita & Virginia

                    Vita & Virginia

Title: Vita & Virginia

Release Year: 2018

Director: Chanya Button

Writers: Eileen Atkins, Virginia Woolf, and Vita Sackville-West

Genre: Biographical Drama Romance

Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Cast:

Gemma Arterton as Vita Sackville-West

Elizabeth Debicki as Virginia Woolf

Isabella Rossellini

Awards: 1 win and 2 nominations

Plot Summary:

The film explores the romantic and intellectual relationship between Virginia Woolf, one of the most renowned writers of the 20th century, and Vita Sackville-West, a poet and novelist. It delves into their passionate affair and its impact on Woolf’s personal life and creative output, especially inspiring her to write Orlando, a groundbreaking work of modernist literature.

Key Themes:

Love and desire

The interplay of creativity and relationships

Defiance of societal norms surrounding gender and sexuality

Director’s Vision:

Chanya Button sought to create a film that emphasizes a supportive community rather than conflict, avoiding traditional antagonistic dynamics.

Historical Context:

Set in the 1920s, the story reflects the evolving attitudes toward marriage, gender roles, and sexuality in an era of cultural transformation.

1) How do the letters function not only as a medium of communication between the two central characters but also as a narrative tool within the film?

In Vita & Virginia, the letters exchanged between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West serve as the lifeblood of their relationship. These letters are not just practical tools for communication but act as windows into their souls, reflecting their emotions, desires, and intellectual rapport. The film effectively uses the letters as a narrative tool by intertwining their correspondence with visual storytelling. This technique deepens the audience's understanding of their bond, offering a glimpse into how their connection transcends physical presence.

The letters act as a bridge between their worlds, one steeped in Vita’s adventurous, confident personality and the other in Virginia’s introspective, melancholic brilliance. As we hear their words, the viewer gains insight into their evolving feelings, from admiration and curiosity to love and passion. The director, Chanya Button, also uses these letters to reveal the contrasts in their personalities—Vita’s boldness and Virginia’s vulnerability—while showing how these differences attracted and influenced each other. The letters also carry the weight of their historical context, serving as a narrative device to anchor the story in the literary culture of the 1920s.

2) Discuss some of the views regarding marriage, relationships, and the role of society presented by the various characters in the film.

The film presents diverse views on marriage and relationships, reflecting the societal norms of the early 20th century and the progressive perspectives of its protagonists. Vita Sackville-West challenges the traditional notion of marriage. Though married to Harold Nicolson, she embraces her identity as a bisexual woman and her relationship with Virginia. Her open marriage is portrayed as a mutual understanding between her and Harold, highlighting a modern view of love and companionship.

Virginia Woolf, on the other hand, is married to Leonard Woolf, who is deeply supportive yet protective of her due to her fragile mental health. Their relationship embodies a more conventional marriage, albeit one infused with deep intellectual camaraderie. Virginia’s attraction to Vita disrupts the conventional boundaries of her life, raising questions about fidelity and the nature of true emotional connection.

Society’s role is evident in how the characters navigate their relationships. Vita’s aristocratic background and Virginia’s position as a literary figure place them under scrutiny, making their affair both daring and defiant. Through their interactions, the film critiques the rigid expectations of gender, sexuality, and marital roles, celebrating their courage in pursuing an authentic connection despite societal judgment.

3) In your opinion, is the film able to capture Woolf's depressive state with sincerity and genuity?

The film captures Virginia Woolf’s depressive state with a poignant mix of sincerity and sensitivity. Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Woolf conveys her internal struggles without reducing her to her mental illness. Her moments of isolation, her vulnerability, and her need for Vita’s companionship reveal the depth of her emotional turmoil.

The cinematography plays a crucial role in representing Woolf’s state of mind. The muted tones, fragmented visuals, and dreamlike sequences reflect her inner chaos and moments of despair. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the toll her mental health takes on her, particularly in her interactions with Leonard, who is both her protector and observer.

However, the film balances this depiction by also showing Virginia’s brilliance and creativity. It avoids sensationalizing her depressive episodes, instead treating them as part of the complex fabric of her personality. While some moments might feel romanticized, the sincerity with which the film explores her struggles ensures that her pain and genius are depicted authentically.

4) Share your thoughts about the portrayal of the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West.

The film beautifully portrays the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, capturing its complexity, intensity, and transformative nature. Vita initiates the relationship, drawn to Virginia’s brilliance and enigmatic persona. Their first meeting is portrayed as electric, with Vita’s bold charm contrasting with Virginia’s quiet intrigue. The chemistry between them is palpable, marked by a blend of admiration and desire.

As the relationship deepens, the film delves into its impact on both women. Vita becomes Virginia’s muse, inspiring her to write Orlando, a novel that immortalizes Vita in its pages. Their affair is portrayed as a meeting of minds as much as it is a romantic entanglement, emphasizing the intellectual and emotional nourishment they provided each other.

The portrayal of their last meeting is tinged with melancholy and acceptance, reflecting the inevitable divergence of their paths. While their romantic relationship fades, the film suggests that their bond remains an indelible part of their lives. This nuanced depiction of their relationship celebrates their courage to embrace love in a society that sought to confine them, making their story a timeless tale of authenticity and artistic inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Vita & Virginia serves as a compelling prelude to reading Orlando, offering a vivid portrayal of the real-life inspiration behind Virginia Woolf’s masterpiece. The film’s exploration of love, creativity, and individuality resonates deeply, inviting viewers to reflect on the transformative power of human connection.