Unn@ti'$ Blog: Thinking task of Vita and Virginia

Hello everyone! I'm writing this blog a part of thinking activity assigned by Vaidehi ma'am. In these blog I'm going to discuss about the 2018 movie Vita and Virginia which we have in our syllabus as a part of academic studies.

Vita and Virginia

Vita and Virginia is a story of the romance between Vita Sackville-West (Gemma Arterton) and Virginia Woolf (Elizabeth Debicki). Both were novelists and the vulnerable Woolf and the flamboyant West made for a troubled relationship. Every now and then there is a film that delivers on all levels, this being one. Sharing the real life love or friendship of Virginia and Vita, Vita & Virginia is a delicious and beautiful piece of cinematography. It reaches deep into the senses. They first meet at a party where Virginia is dressed in male Elizabethan costume, bringing to mind Tilda swinton in Orlando. The novel Orlando by Woolf was inspired by her affair and friendship with Vita. Director and co-writer Chanya Buttons delivers an interesting snapshot of a period in Woolf's life, the Bloomsbury set and the decadence of the British Ruling Class in the 1920s.

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

The question of who initiates the relationship in the film is a bit ambiguous. Both Virginia and Vita seem to be drawn to each other from the moment they meet. However, the Vita was the one who was attracted towards Virginia, it is very clear that the relationship is intense and passionate from the beginning.

When it comes to who takes advantage of the relationship, it is again difficult to say definitively. Virginia was the one who takes advantage of Vita seem to benefit from the relationship in different ways. Virginia finds in Vita a confidante and muse who inspires her writing. Vita finds in Virginia an intellectual equal and a source of emotional support.

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

Vita struggles with societal expectations as a married woman, yearning for creative freedom and expression. Feels restricted by her upper-class upbringing and social obligations. She also sails same-sex desires and explores them with Virginia, challenging societal norms and grappling with internalized societal judgments. She also resists the variation between her public persona and her true self. This struggle is illustrated in a scene where she breaks down crying when Virginia describes how she sees her, realizing the difference between her own perception and others'.

Virginia questions her place as a writer, battling self-doubt and insecurity despite achieving literary success and struggles to separate her personal life. She expresses soreness with societal expectations of femininity and explores concepts of gender fluidity through her writing and personal thoughts. This is shown in her fascination with Orlando, a character who transcends gender boundaries.

However, viewing their experiences as confusion it would be crucial to understand that Vita and Virginia struggles with different aspects of identity. Vita focuses more on societal and social identity challenges, while Virginia's struggles relate heavily to creative and personal identity complexities.

Q. What is society's thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If yes then why? If no then why?

The portrayal of society's views on women and identity is delicate and reflects the complexities of the early 20th century. Women were expected to conform to certain roles and behaviors, and those who didn't were often rejected. Sackville-West, for example, was seen as unconventional and even scandalous for her bisexual lifestyle. Woolf, on the other hand, struggled with mental illness and societal expectations of femininity.

I totally agree with the film's view that women have their own freedom and are free to live the life they want to. Ultimately it leaves up to the individual to decide how much they agree with society's views on women and identity. It is a complex issue with no easy answers, and the film does not shy away from showing the challenges that Sackville-West and Woolf faced. However, it does provide a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of gender and identity in society.

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

The 1920s, often called the "Roaring Twenties," were a time of significant social change. This included the growing independence of women, and the rise of consumerism. 1920 marked the culmination of a long struggle for women's suffrage, granting women the right to vote nationwide in the United States. This had a profound impact on society, particularly for women themselves.

The 1920s also saw the emergence of new art forms, music styles like jazz, and literary movements. This era is often idealized as a time of liberation and excitement. Despite looking from outer arrival of prosperity and change, the 1920s were not without their problems. Racial and class inequalities persisted, and the decade ended with the devastating stock market crash of 1929.

Over here, I would like to give example of the novel the 'The Great Gatsby' by F.Scott Fitzgerald which I'm currently studying as it is a part of my syllabus, in which it is talked about the 'Roaring Twenties', in that novel we can see the women who loves luxurious life and also are bold enough in playing sports.

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

Mirrors become general, reflecting not just physical beauty but the complexities of desire and self-doubt. Vita when mirrored in her room, where she first catch the imagination of Virginia, becomes a strong symbol of their connection. Then it represents the fractured nature of their relationship, leaving us pondering the true depth of their reflection in each other's lives.

Going to the Virginia's writing room, sunlight paases from vibrant floral wallpaper, a pure contrast to the barren land where she battles mental illness. These contrasting spaces highlight the difference between Virginia's creation of haven and the societal restrain that threaten. The concept of flowers, particularly Virginia's interest in orchids, signifies both charmeness and weakness, reflecting the nature of their love.

Q."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?

According to me I have two actresses which would go as Vita and Virginia.

The Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Taapsee Pannu are the two actresses which would fit according to me.

Conclusion:-

"Vita and Virginia" explores the complex dynamics of love, identity, and societal expectations through the lens of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf's relationship. While the starting of their romance remains obscure, both women find comfort and inspiration in each other among the societal constraints of the 1920s. The film expressively portrays society's rigid views on women and identity, challenging viewers to question and reflect upon these norms. Set against the environment of the "Roaring Twenties," the movie captures the era's cheerfulness and mystery, symbolized through motifs like mirrors and floral imagery.

Here I'm sharing some useful videos, which would help you to understand more.