Vita & Virginia (2018), directed by Chanya Button

This blog was assigned by Prakruti Ma'am. In this blog, discuss the movie Vita & Virginia, directed by Chanya Button.

Introduction:

         Vita & Virginia (2018), directed by Chanya Button, tells the story of the complex relationship between two of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century: Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. This film is based on their real-life connection, which began as a deep intellectual friendship and slowly evolved into a passionate love affair. Set in a time when societal norms restricted the freedom of women, the film highlights the emotional, intellectual, and even physical intimacy between the two women. It also explores the challenges they faced in their marriages, their struggle with mental health, and how their relationship defied the conventional boundaries of love and society. In this essay, I will discuss the role of letters in the film, examine the different views on marriage and relationships presented by the characters, evaluate how well the film portrays Virginia Woolf’s depressive state, and offer my thoughts on the depiction of the relationship between Woolf and Sackville-West.

1) Letters as a Medium and Narrative Tool in Vita & Virginia:-

       In Vita & Virginia, letters are not just a way for Virginia and Vita to communicate with each other they are the heart of the story. The letters serve as a window into the private lives and feelings of the two characters, allowing the audience to experience their inner worlds and emotions. They reveal the complexity of their relationship and show how their bond grew over time, even though they were physically separated for much of it.

           The letters between Virginia and Vita are not just simple exchanges of words. They carry the weight of their longing, their affection, and sometimes their pain. Through these letters, we see how both women express things they cannot say directly. For instance, Virginia, who is often seen as reserved and emotionally distant, uses her letters to express feelings of fear, sadness, and confusion that she struggles to voice in person. Vita, on the other hand, is more direct in her letters, showing her boldness and desire to connect. These letters also become a way for them to share their creativity and discuss their works, making the relationship not just romantic but also intellectual.

        The film uses the letters as a narrative tool to move the plot forward and deepen the emotional impact of the story. For example, as the letters are read aloud, we hear the characters’ thoughts and desires, which helps us understand their internal struggles and the intensity of their bond. The letters allow the film to explore the emotions and complexities of their relationship in a way that would be difficult to achieve with regular dialogue. This method also gives the film a more personal, intimate feel, as if we are eavesdropping on a private conversation.

2) Views on Marriage, Relationships, and Society in Vita & Virginia:-

    Marriage and societal expectations play a major role in Vita & Virginia. Both Virginia and Vita are shown as women struggling to fit into the traditional roles society expects them to play. In the film, their relationships with their husbands are portrayed as complicated and somewhat constrained by societal norms.

         Virginia’s marriage to Leonard Woolf is based on mutual respect and intellectual companionship. While they clearly care for each other, Virginia’s emotional struggles and mental health issues make her feel trapped in a relationship that, despite its affection, does not fully satisfy her emotional or personal needs. Leonard supports Virginia through her mental health struggles, but their marriage does not offer her the freedom she craves. The film depicts Virginia’s longing for more more freedom, more passion, and more control over her own life. The societal pressure on her to be the perfect wife and a productive author often clashes with her emotional and intellectual desires.

      Vita’s marriage to Harold Nicolson is also portrayed as loving, but in a different way. Vita’s marriage is one of mutual understanding, but it’s clear that she seeks more than what Harold can give her emotionally. Vita’s openness to love outside of marriage, especially with Virginia, shows her rejection of traditional marital norms. For Vita, the relationship with Virginia becomes an outlet for both emotional and intellectual fulfillment. Vita’s defiance of traditional marital expectations is evident in her pursuit of love with someone who does not fit the typical mold of a husband, showing how she seeks freedom and self-expression outside of societal constraints.

        The film does a great job of showing the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. It presents marriage not as a straightforward institution of love but as something that can be restrictive for individuals who do not fit neatly into the roles society assigns them. Both women’s relationships with their husbands reflect the limitations placed on them by society, but their connection with each other allows them to experience a kind of emotional freedom that was not possible within the confines of their marriages.

3) Sincerity and Genuineness in Capturing Virginia Woolf’s Depressive State:-

         One of the most important aspects of Vita & Virginia is its portrayal of Virginia Woolf’s struggles with mental health, particularly her depression. The film takes a sensitive and sincere approach to depicting Virginia’s emotional state, showing the weight of her depression without sensationalizing it. Through subtle acting choices and quiet, contemplative scenes, the film captures Virginia’s internal struggles in a way that feels genuine and true to her character.

      Virginia’s depression is portrayed as a constant companion, one that affects every aspect of her life, including her relationships and her work. The film shows how Virginia feels trapped within her own mind, unable to escape the dark thoughts and emotions that consume her. We see her retreat into herself, often isolating herself from others, and struggling to find meaning or relief. At the same time, the film does not simply show Virginia as a victim of her depression; it also shows her strength and resilience. Despite her struggles, she continues to write and fight for her creative expression, using her art as a way to cope with her mental state.

           The letters between Virginia and Vita are particularly important in showing Virginia’s depressive state. In her letters, Virginia opens up about her fears and anxieties, offering the audience a glimpse into her mind. The film uses these letters to communicate the depth of her emotional pain and the isolation she feels. It’s clear that Virginia is battling with more than just sadness she’s facing a profound sense of disconnection from the world around her. The portrayal of her depression in the film is honest and nuanced, capturing both the fragility and strength of Virginia’s character.

4) Portrayal of the Relationship Between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West:-

        The relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West is at the core of Vita & Virginia, and the film presents it as a complex mix of intellectual admiration, emotional longing, and romantic tension. Their relationship is initially sparked by Vita’s interest in Virginia’s writing. Vita is drawn to Virginia’s intelligence and unique perspective, and she reaches out to her with admiration. This initial connection leads to their first meeting, which is portrayed as a significant and charged moment. Despite their different personalities Vita being bold and outgoing, and Virginia being more reserved they are instantly captivated by one another.

         As their relationship develops, the film shows how the exchange of letters between them becomes a way for them to share not only their intellectual ideas but also their deep emotions. Virginia, who often feels overwhelmed by her own mental health struggles, is able to express her desires, vulnerabilities, and fears to Vita in a way that feels safer than in person. Vita, on the other hand, is more open and direct, pushing Virginia to explore her emotions and desires more freely. This emotional connection grows stronger over time, even though both women are trapped in marriages that cannot fully satisfy them.

         The film also portrays their final meeting with a sense of sadness and inevitability. By this point, Virginia’s mental health has deteriorated, and the bond between the two women, while still meaningful, can no longer thrive in the same way. Their last encounter is filled with unspoken emotions, and it reflects the tragic nature of their relationship one that was never able to fully reach its potential because of the constraints of time, marriage, and mental illness.

conclusion :-

          Vita & Virginia offers a detailed, intimate portrayal of the relationship between two extraordinary women. It captures the depth of their emotional and intellectual connection while also shedding light on the personal and societal challenges they faced. Through the use of letters, the film gives us a powerful glimpse into the inner lives of both Virginia and Vita, showing how their relationship defied the norms of their time and became a source of liberation, creativity and love.

Thank you for reading...

Reference:-

"Vita & Virginia." Tokyvideo, 2018,https://www.tokyvideo.com/video/vita-virginia-2018. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.