Vita and Virginia - movie screening

Hello viewers!👋

I am Maya Batiya, 

A student of M.A. sem-2 department of English, M.K.B.U.

This Blog is a part of Thinking Task - Movie Screening- Vita and Virginia. 

_Assigned by Vaidehi ma'am... 

The movie 'Vita & Virginia' is a poignant portrayal of the passionate and tumultuous relationship between renowned writers Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. Directed by Chanya Button, the film delves into a slice of their lives during the vibrant artistic landscape of 1920s London. It explores the captivating, fulfilling, and heartbreaking aspects of love as experienced by these two extraordinary women.

 1.Who do you think is initiating the relationship, Vita or Virginia? Who do you think is taking advantage of this relationship? Ans:

Vita is entranced by Virginia from the outset, drawn to her brilliance and talent. She ardently pursues opportunities to encounter Virginia, particularly at Bloomsbury, displaying her admiration for Virginia's literary genius. When Vita finally meets Virginia, she expresses her awe, feeling a mixture of dejection and encouragement upon reading Virginia's work. Vita feels inadequate in comparison to Virginia's mastery of language, which leaves her in awe of Virginia's abilities.

 In my opinion adds depth to the dynamic between Vita and Virginia. Vita's initial popularity as a writer contrasts with Virginia's emerging fame, and the metaphor of Vita being like a "candle" sheds light on her complex character. It's indeed a nuanced relationship, where each may benefit in different ways, whether through personal pleasure, literary inspiration, or professional gain. The interpretation ultimately depends on one's perspective and understanding of the characters' motivations and interactions.

2. Who do you think is confused about their identity Vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations

Ans: 

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions, but I can analyze the characters of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. Both Vita and Virginia experienced periods of identity confusion and exploration, albeit in different ways.

Vita Sackville-West grappled with societal expectations regarding her gender and sexuality. She challenged traditional roles for women, exploring her identity through various relationships, including her marriage to Harold Nicolson and her affairs with women like Virginia Woolf.

Virginia Woolf, on the other hand, struggled with mental health issues and the societal pressures of being a woman in the early 20th century. Her writing often delved into themes of identity, consciousness, and the complexities of human experience.

Illustrations could depict Vita navigating through different personas or relationships, while Virginia could be shown lost in thought, surrounded by her iconic books and manuscripts, symbolizing her introspective journey of self-discovery through writing.

3.What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If no then why?

Ans: 

Society's thoughts about women and identity have evolved over time but have often been influenced by traditional gender roles and expectations. Historically, women were often expected to conform to certain stereotypes and roles, such as being caregivers, homemakers, or supporters of their husbands' careers. Women who deviated from these norms were sometimes stigmatized or marginalized.

However, as societies have progressed, there has been a growing recognition of the diversity and complexity of women's identities. Women are increasingly empowered to define themselves on their own terms, whether it be in terms of their careers, relationships, sexuality, or personal interests.

Write a note on your observations of the society during that era.

4. Write a note on your observations of the society during that era.

Ans :

The movie portrays the Bloomsbury group as a community that boldly embraces progressive values, such as openness towards LGBTQ+ relationships and frank discussions about sexuality. Extra-marital affairs are depicted as normalized within the group, reflecting their unconventional attitude towards relationships. However, Vita's mother, Lady Sackville, represents the conservative societal norms of the time, resisting Vita's radical ideas and threatening to separate her from her children. Despite Vita's wealth, she is constrained by gender norms, obligating her to fulfill traditional wifely duties against her desires.

The film emphasizes the modernist essence of the Bloomsbury circle through their open acceptance of Vita and Virginia's relationship. Leonard Woolf, Virginia's husband, is portrayed as a loyal companion who navigates various situations with fidelity. The group's collective support is evident in their acknowledgment and assistance of Virginia in coping with her mental health challenges. This cinematic portrayal highlights the tension between societal expectations and the progressive values of the Bloomsbury group during that era.

6.Write a note on the direction of the movie. Which symbols and space caught your attention while watching the movie?

Ans:

Gemma Arterton plays Vita Sackville-West, a famous socialite and writer in her own right, who meets a woman already famous but soon to be legendary, Virginia Woolf, played by the great Elizabeth Debicki. There’s an immediate connection between the two—although one of the many problems in Eileen Atkins’ script, based on her own play and co-written with director Chanya Button, is that it’s one of those films that’s constantly telling us about the spark between its leading ladies instead of actually showing it. Vita is coming off a scandalous affair with another woman, although it’s more of an issue for society and her mother (played forgettably by Isabella Rossellini) than her husband (Rupert Penry-Jones), with whom she seems to be in a “don’t ask, don’t tell” variation on open marriage.

In those moments, “Vita & Virginia” becomes another movie. It becomes the story of a famous, troubled writer who finds peace and comfort in the arms of another woman. If the entire project had been reworked from that perspective, it might have worked. Debicki is more than up to the challenge dramatically. But it jumps around in such a way that it tries to tell so much more stories than just its most interesting narrative throughline. Vita is so underwritten and yet dominates so much of the screen time. And it just becomes harder and harder to care about what happens to either of them. Someone once said that Orlando was a love letter from Virginia to Vita. You’d learn more about their relationship if you just read it instead of seeing this movie. 

7. "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?

Ans: 

For the role of Vita, someone like Priyanka Chopra or Deepika Padukone could bring the necessary charisma and depth. For Virginia, an actress like Tabu or Kangana Ranaut might capture her complexity and intensity well.

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