Thinking Activity : Movie Screening- Vita & Virginia

   Movie screening : Vita And  Virginia

The film is based on the real-life correspondence between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf, which spanned over several decades. The film explores themes of love, sexuality, creativity, and societal expectations. The film was shot on location in various parts of England, including London, Sussex, and Kent.

1). who do you think is initating the relationship , vita or virginia ? Who do you think is taking advantage of this relationship?

       That relationship is the subject of a new film, Vita & Virginia, which includes lines lifted straight from the literary duo’s love letters. Starring Elizabeth Debicki as Woolf and Gemma Arterton as Sackville-West, the film from director Chanya Button is set against the backdrop of bohemian high society in 1920s London with a host of characters based on real-life people. Here’s the true story behind Vita & Virginia, Woolf and Sackville-West’s passionate relationship and the great literary work it inspired.

Their relationship was very passionate and very sexual, even though initially their sexual relationship was downplayed and even ignored,” says Smith. And while the two women were open about their relationship, it was also during a time when British society was more socially conservative. While male homosexuality in the U.K. was still a criminal offense at the time, there was no equivalent legislation that targeted gay women. However, in 1921, some lawmakers voted to criminalize “sexual acts of gross indecency” between women, although the law was never passed because politicians feared it would encourage women to explore homosexuality.

      The relationship between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf was complex and multifaceted. Both women were strong personalities with their own needs and desires. It is difficult to say definitively who initiated the relationship or who took advantage of it.

Some argue that Vita initiated the relationship, drawn to Virginia's intellect and literary talent. Others believe that Virginia was the more interested party, seeking in Vita a muse and a source of stability. Regardless of who initiated the relationship, it is clear that both women benefited from it in different ways. Vita provided Virginia with emotional support and inspiration, while Virginia helped Vita to develop her own writing talent

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

The different struggles of two prominent women, Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf, in finding and defining their identities.

Vita External struggle: She feels constricted by societal expectations of her gender and sexuality. This could include things like marriage, motherhood, and adherence to specific feminine roles.Desire: She likely desires more freedom and authenticity in expressing herself, including embracing her sexual fluidity or pushing against traditional female stereotypes.

Virginia Internal struggle: She experiences mental illness, which impacts her perception of reality and sense of self. This could involve struggles with depression, anxiety, or dissociation. Impact: Mental illness likely makes it challenging for her to form a solid and stable sense of identity, as her understanding of herself and the world around her fluctuates.

  Both women deal with identity issues, but the source and nature of their struggles differ. Vita's focus is on external expectations, while Virginia's is on internal experiences.

This demonstrates the multifaceted nature of identity formation, influenced by both societal pressures and individual experiences.

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

 

Society's thoughts about women and identity are complex and vary widely:

     Traditional perspectives: Some believe women should adhere to specific roles based on their gender, such as homemaker or caregiver. They might associate certain traits and behaviors with femininity and masculinity. Feminist perspectives: These perspectives challenge traditional roles and advocate for gender equality, emphasizing individual choice and dismantling stereotypes. They believe women should be free to define their own identities without limitations.

     Intersectional perspectives: These perspectives acknowledge the influence of other factors like race, class, and sexual orientation on gender identity and societal expectations for women. They advocate for recognizing and addressing these intersecting identities.

   

    These are just a few broad categories, and individual viewpoints within them can differ greatly.

Societal perceptions are constantly evolving, with ongoing movements challenging traditional norms and advocating for inclusivity and individual expression. Evaluating different perspectives critically and forming your own opinions based on evidence and personal values is crucial.

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

      Women's agency: The film portrays a spectrum of female experiences. Vita, as an aristocratic socialite, enjoys relative freedom, while Virginia navigates societal expectations for marriage and childbearing despite her ambitions. Both challenge these norms through writing and relationships.

Limited options: Despite challenges, most women faced restricted choices. Marriage and domesticity were expected, while professional opportunities were limited, particularly for the working class.

     The growing influence of the avant-garde Bloomsbury Group, a space for intellectual and artistic freedom, challenging traditional values.

The societal pressure for conformity and the struggle for individual expression are recurring themes.

While limitations existed, the film also suggests pockets of progress and evolving social attitudes, particularly among educated circles.

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

      The film subtly explores themes of gender fluidity through Vita's character and the restrictive societal expectations faced by both women. Scenes at Vita's unconventional home, Knole, and Virginia's struggles with societal perceptions highlight these themes.

Internal vs. External Worlds: Button often contrasts the characters' vibrant inner lives with the stifling expectations of their external worlds. This is achieved through voice-over narration, dreamlike sequences, and contrasting visuals between social gatherings and private moments.

    The film often utilizes natural light, creating a soft and intimate atmosphere for the characters' emotional scenes. Vivid colors are used to emphasize key moments, like the vibrant costumes at parties or the blooming flowers at Knole symbolizing passion and growth.

 Tight framing is used to convey intimacy and intensity in emotional scenes, while wider shots depict the characters within their larger social context. The use of mirrors and reflections adds depth and complexity, suggesting hidden desires and societal scrutiny.

Symbols and Spaces:

Knole: Vita's sprawling, unconventional  represents freedom, self-expression, and escape from societal norms. Its lush gardens and unconventional layout contrast with the restrictive spaces inhabited by Virginia.

Woolf's Writing Room: This intimate space symbolizes Virginia's creative process and inner turmoil. The cluttered desk and stacks of paper represent her intellectual pursuits, while the claustrophobic atmosphere reflects her struggles with mental illness.

Nature: Lush gardens, blooming flowers, and open landscapes often appear, symbolizing vitality, passion, and the liberation the characters crave.

6). 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?

Choosing the perfect actors for a hypothetical Bollywood adaptation of "Vita and Virginia" is a fun exercise, but it's important to remember that casting is subjective and there's no one definitive answer. Here are some suggestions based on different approaches:

 

Vita: Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Both are established actresses with strong screen presence and international recognition.

Virginia: Alia Bhatt or Kareena Kapoor Khan: They are popular actresses who can portray the passionate and complex nature of Virginia.

Actresses known for their versatility and depth:

Vita: Vidya Balan or Tabu: They are known for their ability to portray nuanced characters with depth and sensitivity.

Virginia: Radhika Madan or Konkona Sen Sharma: They have impressed audiences with their portrayals of strong and unconventional women.

Newcomers with potential:

Vita: Mrunal Thakur or Sanya Malhotra: They are talented actresses who have delivered promising performances in recent films.

Virginia: Fatima Sana Shaikh or Bhumi Pednekar: They have the potential to bring freshness and intensity to the roles.

Considering regional cinema:

Vita: Sai Pallavi (South Indian cinema) or Bhumi Pednekar (Marathi cinema): They could bring unique perspectives and acting styles to the roles.

Virginia: Keerthy Suresh (South Indian cinema) or Kangana Ranaut (regional cinema): They are known for their powerful performances and could portray Virginia's fierceness well.

  Ultimately, the best actors for the roles would depend on the director's vision, the film's budget, and the desired tone and style.  

Thank you.