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Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)

post #1 of 9
2/14/10 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 
GODDAMN.

In my humble estimation - it's perfect in every way. The pacing, the narrative, the cinematography, the script. All of it.

And the performances? Again - goddamn. It just finished about 10 minutes ago and I'm still sort of awe-struck. Not entirely sure what to say.
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post #2 of 9
2/14/10 at 11:23pm
This has been sitting in my Netflix instant queue for ages. I think it's time I finally got around to it.
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post #3 of 9
2/14/10 at 11:35pm
Thread Starter 
YES! I don't think "slow burn" is right, but once it starts it just steadily and fluidly ramps itself up and the payoff is perfect. With a little bit of distance I'm sure I'll be able to poke a few holes in it, find a few things to nitpick but it would be pointless to do so. Just a magnificent piece of work from everyone involved.
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post #4 of 9
2/14/10 at 11:53pm
It's one sublimely awkward moment after the next. I'm just in complete awe with each viewing, and I've seen it over a dozen times. I'm due to watch it again soon.
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post #5 of 9
2/15/10 at 12:04am
Burton and Taylor are just magnificent, even 20 pounds overweight and caked in make-up she still looks do-able. Segal and Dennis do admirable support work, I think they tend to get overlooked next to Burton and Taylor.

A movie like this is tricky to pull off as it's extremely dialogue driven but Nichols keeps things moving, the film never once drags.
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post #6 of 9
2/15/10 at 12:18am
All four of them got the Oscar. Dennis and Segal were truly excellent, but it was expected that their parts be somewhat overshadowed by Dick and Liz.

I know there are those who'd say it's The Graduate, but I still think this is Mike's best work.
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post #7 of 9
2/15/10 at 12:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Benenson View Post
This has been sitting in my Netflix instant queue for ages. I think it's time I finally got around to it.
Same here. I once saw a clip of this film on tv and it looked amazing. This is one of those movies I feel bad for not having seen yet. I really have to get on it.
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post #8 of 9
2/15/10 at 3:34am
Definitely better than The Graduate. I wouldn't call it perfect but it's certainly top notch work from all involved.
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post #9 of 9
2/15/10 at 1:56pm
The performances are terrific, but the credit really needs to go to Albee's play, which is one of the greatest ever written. The movie doesn't really adapt it so much as just use it (to the point that I'm surprised there is a screenwriter credited...what did he do other then specify the scenes where they're in a car or a bar???).

But Burton and Taylor are fantastic and really bring the script alive (Segal and Dennis as well, yes).

I saw a production of this with Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin. Irwin played George intelligently and thoughtfully and gave a great performance. Turner was a disaster and the whole show was highlighting her (the audience actually applauded when she came on stage and she gave a little bow...ugh). It was roof positive that in the hands of the wrong actors, this material can be poisonous.
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