Hello readers, I'm writing this blog as a response to the task given by the Department of English, MKBU. Here, In this blog I'm trying to interpret the movie 'Vita and Virginia' and 'Orlando'. I also try to give answers to the questions which are given by Megha ma'am.
Movie Review on 'Orlando'
"Orlando: A Biography" is a novel by Virginia Woolf that was published in 1928. It was later adapted into a film by director Sally Potter in 1992. The movie is a romantic, historical, and surrealistic drama that tells the story of an immortal young man named Orlando, who experiences various transformations throughout four centuries of English history.
The film follows the life of Orlando, played by Tilda Swinton, who starts as a young nobleman in Elizabethan England. Orlando falls in love with a Russian princess, Sasha, played by Charlotte Valandrey, who departs unexpectedly. Orlando then embarks on a journey of self-discovery, which ultimately leads to his transformation into a woman. Orlando remains ageless, and the film takes the viewer on a journey through four centuries of English history, during which the protagonist encounters various historical figures, including Queen Elizabeth I, played by Quentin Crisp, and the poet Alexander Pope, played by John Wood.
As Orlando continues to exist through time, she must navigate the changes in English society, including gender roles and sexual orientation. The film explores themes of gender identity, sexuality, and the fluidity of time, all while maintaining a whimsical and surrealistic tone. Swinton's androgynous looks and performance add to the film's surrealist and dreamlike quality, which at times feels like an exploration of the subconscious.
The movie also highlights the limitations and expectations placed on women throughout history. As a woman, Orlando must contend with the limitations of her gender in a male-dominated society. However, she also experiences the freedom and possibilities that come with transcending gender norms.
Overall, "Orlando" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that challenges traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and identity. It explores the idea of transformation and self-discovery, encouraging the audience to consider the ways in which society shapes our understanding of ourselves and others. The film also showcases the rich history of England, and how the attitudes and values of each era have shaped the society we know today.
Similarities and Differences between "Vita and Virginia" and "Orlando"
Similarities:
Both films are based on the life and work of Virginia Woolf, with "Vita and Virginia" focusing on her romantic relationship with Vita Sackville-West, and "Orlando" being an adaptation of Woolf's novel of the same name.
Both movies explore themes of gender and sexuality, with "Vita and Virginia" depicting a romantic relationship between two women, and "Orlando" featuring a protagonist who transforms from a man to a woman.
Both films are set in England, with "Orlando" spanning several centuries of English history, and "Vita and Virginia" taking place primarily in the 1920s and 1930s.
Both movies feature strong female characters who challenge societal norms and expectations, with Virginia Woolf, Vita Sackville-West, and Orlando all defying traditional gender roles and expectations.
Differences:
The focus of each movie is different, with "Vita and Virginia" primarily exploring the romantic relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, while "Orlando" is focused on the protagonist's transformation and the exploration of time and history.
The visual styles of the two movies are different, with "Vita and Virginia" being more naturalistic and grounded in its approach, while "Orlando" is more surrealistic and whimsical.
The main characters in each movie are different, with "Vita and Virginia" featuring Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, while "Orlando" features the fictional character of Orlando.
The time periods of the two movies are different, with "Vita and Virginia" being set primarily in the 1920s and 1930s, while "Orlando" spans several centuries of English history.
Thus, while "Vita and Virginia" and "Orlando" share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of focus, style, characters, and time periods. Both films are rich and thought-provoking explorations of gender, sexuality, and societal norms, and are worth watching for anyone interested in these themes.
1)How far do you feel that Orlando is influenced by Vita and Virginia’s love affair? Does it talk only about that or do you find anything else too?
While it is clear that Virginia Woolf's relationship with Vita Sackville-West influenced her writing of the novel "Orlando", the film adaptation directed by Sally Potter is not solely about their love affair.
The film "Orlando" explores many themes beyond the scope of Virginia Woolf's personal life, including gender, identity, and the passage of time. The protagonist, Orlando, is a character who transforms from a man to a woman over several centuries, exploring the fluidity and complexity of gender identity. The film also examines the historical and cultural context in which Orlando lives, spanning several centuries of English history and reflecting on issues of power, class, and colonialism.
While the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West may have inspired some elements of the novel and the film adaptation, it is only one of many influences on the story. "Orlando" is a complex and multifaceted work that explores a range of themes and ideas, and it is not limited to the personal lives of its creator or the people who inspired it.
2)Who do you think is confused about their identity Vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations.
Both Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf struggled with issues related to gender and identity, and it is difficult to say who was more confused. Both women lived in a time when social norms and expectations around gender and sexuality were very different from what they are today. Vita's fluidity in terms of gender and sexuality allowed her to move more easily between different social and cultural spheres. Virginia's writing was an attempt to grapple with her own sense of self and to explore the boundaries of gender and identity in a time when such topics were not widely discussed.
3)What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If not then why?
Historically, society's thoughts about women and identity have been shaped by patriarchal norms and expectations, which have often limited women's opportunities for self-expression and self-discovery. Women have been expected to conform to rigid gender roles, and they have often been punished for stepping outside of those roles or expressing their true selves.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of allowing women to explore their identities and express themselves in ways that feel authentic and true. This has been reflected in a number of cultural shifts, including a greater acceptance of diverse gender identities and a greater emphasis on empowering women to pursue their passions and interests.
It is important to recognize the importance of allowing individuals, regardless of gender, to explore their identities and express themselves in ways that feel true and authentic to them. Society's thoughts about women and identity are changing, and we must continue to work towards a world in which all individuals are free to be themselves without fear of judgment or persecution.
4) What are your views on Gender Identity? Would you like to give any message to society?
Gender identity is a deeply personal aspect of one's identity, and individuals should be able to express themselves in a way that feels authentic to them. Society should create safe spaces, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for policies that promote gender equality and respect for all genders. The message to society should be one of acceptance, inclusivity, and support for individuals of all gender identities, free from discrimination.
5)Write a note on the direction of the movie. Which symbols and space caught your attention while watching the movie?
Sally Potter directed the movie "Orlando", and her direction is a significant contributor to the film's impact and success. Here are some observations about the direction of the movie and the symbols and spaces that caught our attention:
Direction:
Potter's direction is creative and imaginative, using techniques such as surrealism and magical realism to tell the story of Orlando's transformation over several centuries.
She creates a dreamlike atmosphere, using soft lighting, flowing costumes, and natural landscapes to evoke a sense of fantasy and otherworldliness.
Potter uses bold visual imagery to convey the film's themes and ideas, such as the recurring symbol of water, which represents change and transformation.
She also makes use of music and sound to enhance the film's emotional impact, with a haunting score by composer David Motion.
Symbols and Space:
The film's use of natural landscapes, such as the English countryside and the frozen river, evoke a sense of the passage of time and the transience of life.
The use of mirrors and reflections throughout the film represents the idea of identity and self-perception, as Orlando confronts his changing appearance and gender identity.
The presence of clocks and timepieces represents the passage of time and the impermanence of human existence.
The presence of water in various forms, such as rivers, rain, and oceans, symbolizes the fluidity and changeability of identity and gender.
Sally Potter's direction of "Orlando" is highly effective in conveying the film's themes and ideas, using creative and imaginative techniques to create a dreamlike atmosphere and convey a sense of the passage of time and the fluidity of identity. The film's use of symbolism and space is subtle yet impactful, drawing the viewer's attention to the central themes of gender, identity, and transformation.
6)"Vita and Virginia" had to be made into a Bollywood Adaptation. Who do you think would be fit for the role of Vita and Virginia?
For the role of Vita, someone like Tabu or Sonakshi Sinha, who have a strong screen presence and can play complex and nuanced characters, could be a good fit.
For Virginia, an actor like Dipika Padukone or, who has a reputation for playing unconventional roles and exploring challenging themes, could be a good choice.
Word Count: 1615
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