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    Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

    Reviewed by
    maverick@

    I first saw this movie in 1966, and didn't care for it. My second viewing this past week brought to light the causes of my original feelings. Back then 'the code' regarding sexuality and language still had a major impact on Hollywood releases. I didn't realize it but I must have been offended by the on-screen presentation even though I was a sworn admirer of Edward Albee. The hype around 'Virginia Woolf' was mostly about Liz & Dick. The truth is that Richard Burton was an outstanding actor, and he quarterbacked this great film. Elizabeth Taylor was regarded one of the most beautiful women in films. The accolades did not extend to her acting chops and I suspect this was an unfair over-reaction. Did their personal relationship affect their performances? I would suspect that Ms. Taylor trusted her acting partner to such a degree that this woman, a Hollywood STAR since she had been a child, became Albee's sarcastic, sardonic, intelligent, alcoholic, controlling, bitter floozy and a worthy adversary for Burton's character. Although transferring a stage play to the screen is always a challenge, Mike Nichols knew the play and knew the message. Shot almost entirely in two locations, the lack of space never handicapped the performers. George Segal and especially Sandy Dennis rose to the high standards set by Burton & Taylor and the camera was brilliantly managed by Haskell Wexter. Regrettably Liz & Dick did not stay an item forever, but this film stands as a testament to the brilliance they each had in their souls.

    10
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    maverick@  5.9.2010 age: 50+ 470 reviews

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