Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf

Mike Nichols, director of The Graduate and Charlie Wilson's War, adapted Edward Albee's acclaimed play for his feature film debut. Set after a party hosted by a provincial American university, the film follows two couples: a middle-aged pair and a younger couple drawn into their games. As the night progresses, alcohol fuels escalating tensions and unexpected revelations. Exploring themes of social success, parenthood, and the complex power dynamics within a marriage, the film offers a scathing portrayal of disillusioned characters grappling with shattered dreams. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton deliver iconic performances, bringing a raw intensity to their volatile relationship. Their on-screen chemistry is defined by explosive arguments and intense emotional outbursts, providing them with ample opportunity to showcase their dramatic range, all justified within the context of the characters' manipulative games.

Sylvain Portmann (CEC UNIL)