Orlando: A Study of Movie adaptations

 

Thinking Activity

'Orlando: A Biography' by Virginia Woolf

This blog is a response to the thinking activity assigned by Megha ma'am from the Department of English at MKBU on Virginia Woolf's novel 'Orlando'. In this blog, I will reflect upon my views of the novel 'Orlando' and analyze two movies, 'Vita and Virginia' and 'Orlando'. However, before delving into the analysis, it is imperative to provide a brief introduction of the novel.

Orlando: A Biography

'Orlando: A Biography' is a novel written by Virginia Woolf and was first published on 11 October 1928. Inspired by the tumultuous family history of the aristocratic poet and novelist, Vita Sackville-West, who was Woolf's lover and close friend, the novel is arguably one of Woolf's most popular works. 'Orlando' is a satirical history of English literature that follows the adventures of a poet who changes gender from man to woman and lives for centuries, meeting the key figures of English literary history. Regarded as a feminist classic, the book has been extensively written about by scholars of women's writing, gender, and transgender studies.

Orlando- 1992 Film:

Orlando, a 1992 British period drama fantasy film, is loosely based on Virginia Woolf's 1928 novel Orlando: A Biography. The film features Tilda Swinton as Orlando, Billy Zane as Marmaduke Bonthrop Shelmerdine, and Quentin Crisp as Queen Elizabeth I. Sally Potter wrote and directed the film, co-writing the score with David Motion.

Potter's decision to film much of the Constantinople section of the novel in the isolated city of Khiva in Uzbekistan was met with acclaim from critics. The film's use of the forest of carved columns in the city's 18th century Djuma Mosque was particularly praised for its visual treatment of Woolf's novel. Orlando premiered in competition at the 49th Venice International Film Festival and was later re-released in select U.S. cinemas in August 2010.

Vita & Virginia- 2018 Film:

Vita & Virginia is a biographical romantic drama film from 2018, directed by Chanya Button. The screenplay, adapted from the 1992 play Vita & Virginia by Eileen Atkins, was written by Button and Atkins herself. The film stars Gemma Arterton, Elizabeth Debicki, and Isabella Rossellini. Set in the 1920s, Vita & Virginia narrates the love story between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. The film premiered as a Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2018. It was subsequently released in the United Kingdom on 5 July 2019, and in the United States on 23 August 2019.

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?

In the 1920s, writers Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf belonged to different social circles in London. However, when they meet, Vita decides that Virginia will be her next conquest. They start an affair against the backdrop of their respective open marriages.

The novel 'Orlando' draws inspiration from the love affair between Vita and Virginia, as it explores many aspects of their relationship. However, it would be unfair to say that the novel is solely based on their love affair. The book delves into the concept of changing one's gender, with Orlando's transformation from a man to a woman being the central theme. In a way, this mirrors Virginia Woolf's own experiences, as she was molested by several men during her childhood.

Orlando's character is described as "a hero who becomes a heroine, who loves women and men". This portrayal of gender fluidity is ahead of its time and is considered groundbreaking in feminist literature. The love affair between Vita and Virginia not only provided inspiration for the novel but also paved the way for women's liberation. In fact, it has inspired many graphic novelists to seek their own ideal relationships. As The Guardian notes, "the great literary love affair not only fed the visionary novel Orlando, but staked out new ground for women".

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

In Vita and Virginia, both female characters experience a sense of confusion about their identity. While they both display an attraction to both men and women, in my interpretation, Virginia appears to be more uncertain about her desires. Throughout the movie, Vita is portrayed as a determined individual who knows what she wants and actively pursues her goals. In contrast, Virginia's behaviour is marked by passivity and confusion. Although her love for her husband is evident in the film, she also experiences an attraction to women, which adds to her internal conflict.

What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If no then why not?

Society has imposed numerous ideal perceptions on women and their identity, dictating what they should or should not do. Women are more encumbered by these expectations than men, causing them to lag behind and be subservient to men. Women's identity is entirely dependent on men, and they are expected to obey whatever they are told and always try to please others. They are also expected to perform household work and adhere to traditional roles. While these traditional beliefs have changed in many ways, patriarchal dominance still persists. As a woman, I reject society's expectations and beliefs regarding women's identity. Although the situation for women has improved and they are working in many fields and pursuing their dreams, patriarchal dominance still prevails in society. One cannot escape the ideal state of society.

I am also attaching a link to my blog, which I wrote during my undergraduate studies on women's issues.

What are your views on Gender Identity? Would you like to give any message to society?

Gender identity is a person's internal sense of their gender, which may or may not correspond to their assigned gender at birth. It is a deeply personal and individual experience that can vary from person to person. Society has traditionally assigned gender based on biological sex, but the understanding of gender is evolving and becoming more complex.

It is important to respect and accept individuals for who they are, regardless of their gender identity. Everyone deserves to live their life authentically and be treated with dignity and respect. We should strive to create a world that is inclusive and accepting of all gender identities.

We can also work towards breaking down gender stereotypes and norms, which can limit individuals from expressing themselves fully. It is important to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression and discrimination that harm individuals based on their gender identity. Everyone deserves to live a life free from discrimination and hate.

In the 21st century, the concept of gender identity has undergone significant changes, although not yet on a large scale. Laws have now recognized various gender relationships, such as LGBTQI+, but society still struggles to accept such relationships. However, many literary works, movies, and web serieses depict such relationships to spread awareness among people and promote acceptance of all genders. While it may not be prevalent on a broader scale, people are starting to talk about various genders more openly, and LGBTQI+ individuals are slowly being accepted. There is nothing inherently wrong with any gender identity, and society must learn to embrace and accept all genders wholeheartedly. We must educate our children and society on gender issues, making them open-minded and teaching them not to treat any gender differently or behave inappropriately towards them. This is the only way to change people's minds and promote acceptance of all gender identities.

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

                    

The movie "Vita and Virginia" is directed by Chanya Button and is based on the real-life love story of the two famous women writers, Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. The director has done an excellent job of portraying the complex relationship between the two women.

One of the significant symbols in the movie is the garden of Vita's home, Knole. The garden symbolizes Vita's world and her creative mind. The garden is seen throughout the movie, and its different moods and colors signify Vita's emotions and desires. The garden is also the place where the two women first met, and it remains an essential space for their relationship.

Another space that catches attention is Virginia's writing room, which symbolizes her inner world and her struggles with mental illness. The room is often portrayed in a blue light, which represents her depression and anxiety. The director has used this space to show the turmoil in Virginia's mind and her creative process.

The director has also used different camera angles to showcase the intimacy between the two women. The close-up shots of their hands, lips, and eyes are used to show the passion and intensity of their relationship. The director has captured their emotional connection beautifully, and it is a treat to watch their chemistry on screen.

In conclusion, the direction of the movie "Vita and Virginia" is excellent, and the director has done a great job of portraying the complexity of the relationship between the two women. The symbols and spaces used in the movie are also significant and add depth to the story. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in the lives and works of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf.

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