Vita and Virginia | Thinking Task

Hello, 

   

           This blog has been created as a post-viewing assignment for the movie "Vita & Virginia," assigned by Professor Vaidehi.

Vita & Virginia 

The 2018 drama "Vita & Virginia" explores the complex relationship between literary figures Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. Set in 1920s London, the film depicts the unconventional affair that developed between the two married women, one an aristocratic socialite, Vita and the other a prominent modernist writer, Virginia. 

Here are some questions

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

Vita Sackville is the one who first tries to pursue romantic relationship with Virginia in the movie. She is particularly fascinated by Virginia's writings and her style. On the other hand Virginia is more reserved and introvert kind of character. 

As for the advantage, both characters seems to genuinely love each other, Vita helped Virginia and took her out fron her depression and revived her interest in writing. After some time Vita moved on but it is not easy for Virginia to move on. In their relationship it is clear that Virginia loved Vita more deeply and passionately, and eventually she was the one who suffered much. 

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

I would say that Vita Sackville-West grappled with a greater degree of identity confusion than Virginia Woolf. 

Vita didn't like the societal rules for wealthy people, like getting married and having a respectable family. Her relationship with Virginia let her explore her non-traditional sexuality in poems and writings. But her conservative friends didn't like it and criticized her for not following the usual values.

Vita felt bad for not being honest with her husband Harold, who also liked both men and women. The movie suggests she cares about him and their family, but their relationship doesn't have much excitement. Her involvement with Virginia and others made their marriage even more difficult.

Q) What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If no then why?

In the early 20th century context portrayed in "Vita & Virginia", society's traditional attitudes about women and identity were very restrictive and conservative.

Back then, people thought women should stick to being good wives, moms, and taking care of the home. Doing anything else, like having a job or a different kind of life, was not looked at well.

People used to think that women weren't as smart as men and shouldn't try to have important jobs like being a professor, working in business, or holding a public position.

Family's money and social class decided how much freedom women had and how they could move around in society.

These are some things which shows the misogynistic mindset of the society in which Vita and Virginia lived. There are limited opportunities for women in comparison to men, which hindered the overall growth of women in the society. 

Vita and Virginia bravely lived life their own way. Nowadays, more people accept and respect women being independent, different genders, and different sexual orientations. This change shows progress from the strong sexism and homophobia of the early 1900s. The movie argues that everyone should have the right to be who they are.

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

Chanya Button, the director, makes the movie have a moody and dramatic feeling that really gets you into the complicated lives of Vita and Virginia. The way the camera focuses on their faces up close makes you feel close to their changing feelings. They often use mirrors and reflections, adding depth and showing the deep thinking happening inside.

- Roses show the love growing but also hint at the coming sadness because it won't last long.

- Virginia's inner struggle and increasing instability are shown by her smoking cigarettes.

- Long, flowing skirts and exposed skin show the women going against traditional dress rules of the society, reflecting their rebellious thoughts.

- Vita's fancy family house feels like a beautiful but confining place she wants to escape from.

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?

If "Vita & Virginia" were to be adapted into Bollywood, I would find Kriti Sanon as Vita and Katrina Kaif as Virginia more convincing.

Thank you for visiting.