Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)

An evening of cocktails between couples becomes a forum for hateful games and spiteful fun in this classic drama. History professor George (Richard Burton) and his charming wife Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) engage in an unrelenting discourse of stinging barbs and ugly secrets while newly wed guests Nick (George Segal) and Honey (Sandy Dennis) look on in horror. As the alcohol content increase, so does the ugliness. Before long both couple are spiraling into a hangover riddled morning.

What a film! Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is an oft-heralded classic and after tonight's viewing, it's easy to see why. It's an uncomfortable drama to watch as George and Martha spar unmercifully, constantly trying to top one another. The emotions weigh heavy and with the one, two of Burton and Taylor... the film is powerful.

The chemistry between these former lovers is brilliant. Elizabeth Taylor is venomous, but beautiful. Set in B&W, she pops onscreen with class. But in this role, she's borderline insane. Richard Burton is perfect foil. Burton plays the bespectacled George as quiet, but calculating and perfectly undercutting. These two are cold-hearted. Underneath it all, you sense a perverted joy from the couple.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is essentially a two hour diatribe between Burton and Taylor. It's a two hour, emotionally-wrenching diatribe. The setting is simple--a quaint home on the university campus, a car, parking lot (in a scene that contains some of the film's greatest dialogue), and small bar. Director Mike Nichols (The Graduate) had great foresight to just stand back and let the actors fly. The screenplay is certainly weighty, but it's the casting that really makes this film. Can't believe this is the same guy behind Closer. {Ugh!}

As I see it, the film is deserving of it's praise. However, I wonder if the nuances would be lost on modern cinema. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is an unforgettable character driven drama thanks to fine performances by Burton and Taylor.