Movie Screening: Chanya Button's Vita & Virginia

This blog is a pre-reading task for Virginia Woolf's Orlando provided by Prakruti Bhatt Ma'am.

1) How do the letters function not only as a medium of communication between the two central characters but also as narrative tool within the film?

In Sally Potter’s film 'Orlando', letters serve as a vital medium of communication between the central characters, encapsulating their emotions, desires, and evolving relationships. The letters exchanged between Orlando and Sasha capture the fleeting intensity of their romance, while those with Shelmerdine reflect a more mature and egalitarian bond. Through these written exchanges, the letters transcend time and gender, mirroring Orlando’s own fluid identity and underscoring the enduring nature of human connection. They act as vessels for unspoken thoughts and feelings, offering the characters a means to bridge physical and temporal distances, thus deepening the audience’s understanding of their relationships.

As a narrative tool, letters contribute to the film's thematic and structural coherence. They drive the plot by marking key moments of emotional and chronological transition, such as the heartbreak with Sasha or the newfound companionship with Shelmerdine. Visually and sonically, the film uses letters creatively—voiceovers of their contents are layered with imagery, creating a dynamic interplay between text and visuals that enhances the storytelling. Furthermore, the letters reflect the passage of time through changing language styles and societal norms, emphasizing the fluidity of identity and history that defines Orlando's journey. This dual function makes letters integral to the film's exploration of connection, transformation, and self-awareness.

2) Discuss some of the views regarding marriage, relationship and the role of society presented by the various characters in the film.

In Sally Potter’s 'Orlando', the characters express a range of views on marriage, relationships, and societal roles, reflecting the evolving norms and cultural expectations across the centuries. Orlando, the protagonist, provides a nuanced perspective on these themes. Initially, as a young nobleman, Orlando views love and marriage through the lens of societal expectations, pursuing Sasha with romantic fervor. However, Sasha's betrayal leads Orlando to question the permanence and sincerity of relationships. Later, as a woman, Orlando experiences the restrictive gender roles imposed by society, particularly the expectation to marry for stability and social acceptance, rather than love or personal fulfillment. This shift highlights the double standards inherent in societal constructs of marriage and relationships.  

Shelmerdine, Orlando’s final romantic partner, introduces a more progressive view of relationships. Their connection is marked by mutual respect and an absence of traditional power dynamics, offering a stark contrast to earlier depictions of relationships in the film. Unlike the transactional nature of marriage seen in Orlando's earlier experiences, their bond symbolizes a partnership based on equality and shared understanding. Through these interactions, the film critiques the societal imposition of rigid gender roles and the institution of marriage as a tool of social control, ultimately advocating for personal authenticity and freedom in relationships.

3) In your opinion, is the film able to capture Woolf's depressive state with sincerity & genuity?

Sally Potter’s 'Orlando' does not explicitly aim to capture Virginia Woolf’s depressive state but rather focuses on translating the novel’s themes of fluidity, identity, and time into a visual medium. However, the film’s tone and style subtly reflect Woolf’s existential concerns, which are deeply tied to her struggles with mental health. The narrative's exploration of the constraints of gender, societal expectations, and mortality can be seen as metaphors for Woolf’s own feelings of alienation and inner turmoil.

The film conveys a sense of melancholy and introspection through its deliberate pacing, Orlando’s reflective moments, and the evocative use of music and imagery. While it does not directly depict Woolf’s depressive state, the film’s nuanced exploration of emotional vulnerability and resilience resonates with the deeper psychological undertones present in her works. In this way, 'Orlando' captures the spirit of Woolf’s introspective and philosophical outlook with sincerity, even if it does not explicitly focus on her mental health struggles.

4) Share your thoughts about the portrayal of the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville West. (Here, discuss points like who initiated the relationship, their first meeting, their last meeting, etc)

The relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, one of the most fascinating and influential literary liaisons of the 20th century, is often viewed as a complex interplay of love, creativity, and mutual admiration. Though not explicitly portrayed in 'Orlando', the novel itself serves as a deeply personal homage to their bond. Here’s a discussion of their relationship:

Initiation and First Meeting

Vita Sackville-West, a confident and aristocratic poet and novelist, initiated the relationship with Virginia Woolf. They first met in 1922 at a dinner party hosted by Clive Bell, Woolf's brother-in-law. Initially, Virginia found Vita somewhat frivolous, but as they began corresponding and meeting more frequently, Woolf was drawn to Vita's charm, vitality, and unorthodox lifestyle. Vita, on the other hand, admired Virginia’s intellect and literary genius. Their relationship evolved into a deep friendship and romantic connection by 1925.

Their Romantic and Creative Bond

The relationship, while romantic, was never conventional. Vita’s more extroverted, adventurous personality contrasted with Virginia’s introspective and sensitive nature. Despite this, their bond was intellectually enriching, with Vita serving as a muse for Virginia. Woolf’s 'Orlando' (1928) is a literary tribute to Vita, blending fantasy and biography to immortalize her gender-fluid, boundary-defying persona.

Challenges and Last Meeting

Their relationship faced challenges due to Vita's ongoing affairs, including her open marriage to Harold Nicolson, and Virginia's mental health struggles. While their romantic involvement lessened over time, their friendship endured. Their last significant meeting occurred in the late 1930s, before Virginia’s tragic death in 1941. Even then, their correspondence reflected affection and mutual respect.

Legacy

The relationship profoundly impacted both women’s lives and works. For Virginia, Vita represented freedom, creativity, and inspiration, while Virginia offered Vita intellectual depth and artistic validation. Their bond challenged societal norms, explored fluid identities, and enriched the literary canon, leaving a legacy that resonates deeply within feminist and queer literary studies.