Movie Screening: Chanya Button's Vita & Virginia

 1. How do the letters function not only as a medium of communication between the two central characters but also as a narrative tool within the film?

The letters between Vita and Virginia are not just about staying in touch-they are a window into their emotions, thoughts, and how their relationship evolves over time. We can see their love, admiration, and sometimes doubts and insecurities through their written words. The letters give us a way to understand their personalities and how their connection grows deeper. As a narrative tool, the letters help tell the story in an intimate way, showing things that spoken dialogue might not capture. They also bridge the physical distance between them and reveal their inner struggles, making the audience feel more connected to their journey. The letters are like a diary shared between two people, letting us see their world through their eyes.

2. Discuss some of the views regarding marriage, relationships, and the role of society presented by the various characters in the film.

The movie presents different ideas of marriage and relationships. For Vita Sackville-West, marriage is a companionship but not necessarily a constraint. She is married to Harold Nicholson, but Vita still maintains an understanding with her husband; however, she lives out her desires without inhibition, including her affair with Virginia. This presents her as defying societal standards. For Virginia Woolf, however, relationships are more emotional and intellectual, making it harder for her to find the middle ground between what she feels and what is socially acceptable.

It further criticizes society's fixed roles of women. Vita broke these norms by her adventurous spirit and boldness, while Virginia is more of a prisoner by her mental illness and pressures put upon her as a woman and writer. In their love story, all the questions were raised over the social conception of love, fidelity, and the set boundaries between love and lust. How the norms would affect them in different ways, freeing some moments of their lives and then constricting others in those moments.

3. In your opinion, is the film able to capture Woolf's depressive state with sincerity and genuineness?

Yes, the film depicts Virginia Woolf's depression with a lot of honesty and depth. It doesn't romanticize or exaggerate her struggles but shows how her mental health deeply affects her life, relationships, and creativity. The moments where Virginia appears distant, overwhelmed, or consumed by her thoughts feel very genuine. The film also depicts how her depression creates challenges for those around her, especially Vita, who struggles to fully understand Virginia's inner world.

The scenes of Virginia walking in the garden or losing herself in her thoughts are haunting and powerful, giving a glimpse into her fragile mental state. Simultaneously, the film portrays her brilliance as a writer, showing that her struggles are part of who she is but do not define her entirely. It's a sensitive and authentic portrayal that makes her struggles relatable without oversimplifying them.

4. Express your views on the depiction of the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West.

The film captures the intense and transformational nature of the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. It is Vita who instigates the relationship. She is bold, charming, and is fascinated by Virginia's intellect and creativity. Their first meeting was laced with admiration and intrigue. The boldness of Vita contrasts with the reticent and cautious nature of Virginia, which is really interesting to watch.

The film shows how, with the development of their relationship, their deep emotional and intellectual connection, though both have very different personalities and lives, comes into existence. Vita's adventurous spirit brings new energy into Virginia's life, and Virginia's brilliance inspires Vita. Their bond also leads to the creation of Virginia's novel Orlando, which is a love letter to Vita.

Their last meeting will be bittersweet evidence of the end of the romantic relationship, though the effects of each other on their life will still be felt. A film of such complexities has been portrayed in their love—passionate, inspiring, yet bound by realities. It is a glorious depiction of a relationship against convention and leaves an after-life legacy.