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| Discussion: Virginia Wolfe "Mrs Dalloway" is about one day in the life of a woman. . The story, which is more of a character study than a plot-oriented narrative, moves slowly and deliberately, giving us a crystal-clear picture of the many faces of Clarissa Dalloway -- who she was, who she might have been, and who she has become. >>By lsh I saw the movie last night. I loved it. I would like to start a discussion group (study group). I don't know where to begin. Any suggestions? >>By rochelle Well, rochelle... start it right here... >>By Vanessa I was intrigued by the characters and how they dealt w/their "entrapment". I was especially saddened by how Laura abandoned her children and the effect it had on Richard's life. His character as a child was so excellently portrayed. I saw the movie twice and am presently reading the book. It is "haunting" and makes you want to delve into their psyche. I believe Nicole Kidman should get an oscar for her portrayal..........................Jessica O. Flynn >>By Jessica Flynn I think the comment made by "You're Wrong" to MOJO and Lori on the first page of this comment section was totally uncalled for. MOJO was simply telling Lori the name of the book for which "The Hours" revolves is "Mrs. Dalloway". Therefore, she was correct. She did not mention the movie at all which, of course, is "The Hours". So to "You're Wrong" - you are wrong, and an idiot for making such a statement without reading the statement to which you replied all the way through! Sincerely, Beth >>By Beth My husband and I saw the movie this afternoon and liked it. Although it was a disturbing and depressing film, the thread that the tied the three women together was interesting. In my opinion, I thought that Clarissa actually had her baby with Richard but never told him he was the father. It was her secret from a moment of joy that they experienced. Thus the scene connecting her daughter and his mother, Laura made sense (her hugging the older woman...) The movie's was about choices...living life as it is or opting for death. Virginia and Laura were "before" their time, while Clarissa lived in a time when society was more accepting to make the choice. It goes beyond lesbianism. It is about what is right for you. Unfortunately Virginia's husband and Laura's children were the victims in the choices they made. At this point I cannot make up my mind which of the three who should get the Academy Award!!! How about a three way tie? >>By Jem I saw the movie last night and could not fall asleep. Nicole Kidman's eyes kept hauniting me. It is a great deduction on Jem's part that Clariisa's daughter is from her and Richard's affair. Yes. That puts it all together. I think the movie was about the journey of Lesbianism thru' times . It is about 3 women who found out that they were lesbians after they had heterosexual experiences. For the first 2, it was too late . The woman of the 20's chose death.The woman of the 50's chose life but she had to spend it away from her folks.The woman of the 21st century was the lucky one who could keep her old lover, the daughter from him and her lesbian lover and still could live proudly in this society. >>By Meena Hey, Meena...your comments are so good about the various times of women and how their lesbianism is treated in the movie. Sooo inciteful. It is great to hear other's perspectives about this film. I just got the book and will see if my idea about the child is mentioned there. >>By Jem Nicole Kidman does not "act". She just has to scowl. Meryl and Harris are the real "winners" here. The make up artists are too. Helene >>By Helene Well, compare Nicole's performance with last year's Moulin Rouge...both are examples of an actress stretching her ablities to extremes. In my opinion, the scowl was part of Virginia's depression (thus the scowl...the look of despondency)...Nicole captured it in her performance. I agree that Meryl was terrific but isn't she always...her performances are always so real that you think she is the person that she portrays. But I still give Nicole the credit of being an accomplished actress. There were no losers in this film...Harris as Richard was outstanding. >>By Jem I was looking for discussion/info on the author, not so much about the film. Which, by the way, I do agree is a very good movie, one that really makes you think and contemplate a wide variety of subjects. But then isn't that the goal of all good movies? Knowing only what I have learned about Virginia Woolf from this movie, however, does leave me wanting more. Any suggestions on where to look? >>By kp I went on the internet search and found the site on http//our world.compuserve.com and found the psychiatric papers of her problems. It was very amazing to read about her early childhood and young adulthood. Actually if you just put in her name: Virginia Woolf in the search section on your internet, there should be many places to look. Good luck. >>By Jem In every case those around these women were willing to accept them for what they were, and for what they were not, they were willing to help them. The problem with depression or a life living a lie, it affects everyone around it in a negative way. If I gained one thing from the movie, it was to rely on my own stability for personal happiness. Happiness certainly wasn't the main theme of this movie. >>By another Richard Isn't it possible that Meryl Streep's daughter, whose father Meryl never knew, could be Richard's sister whose mother deserted her? >>By crazy Mary "To The Lighthouse" is the most extraordinary book I have ever read, four times: how did she achieve such natural narrative and sneak into people's heads?....this was an exceptional person, and I could never achieve any degree of her perception, let alone make it into such a flowing book. I'ts beautiful, I wish I could recreate it or carry it forewards fot her. >>By Nick To Crazy Mary. In the movie, Richard's sister died as stated by her mother. >>By Sandy Woolf herself wanted to create exposure for womans various struggles in society...wanting more control...she needed control of her illness to be a better writer in her eyes... and her husbands..there fore she pushed herself to the brink to avoid being kept and to gain control of her illness and life.. her life was a remarkable one...she couldnt see it because of depression..sad yet remarkable.. >>By ooonageee I have just arrived home from seeing the movie and couldn't wait to find out more about Virginia Woolf. I found the movie extremely interesting, fascinating and complex. There are many interpretations of the movie here and I could agree with each interpretation that most people have expressed. I did not find the movie to be overly "dark", simply a reflection of the struggles, questions and doubts these women had due to depression. (I myself have struggled with depression for a great part of my life so can relate to their confusion). The very brief encounters that Virginia had with her sister and Laura had with her friend, did not, in my opinion indicate that they were actually lesbians. It was there to add to the confusion these women felt because of the depression. During bouts of depression "everything" is confusing and a person has doubts about every aspect of their life. And the slightest most insignificant little thing (such as a cake not turning out or a brief attraction towards a person of the same gender) draws a person to ask questions about themself and to be dissatisfied with every aspect of their life including their sexuality. The lesbian thread throughout the movie from my perspective, was there to add to the confusion these women faced regarding the choices they were required to make in their lives. Clarissa became a caretaker (of Richard) thereby giving up her life, Laura ran away and Virginia chose death. These are all ways in which people deal with depression. >>By Gwen I am anxious to learn more about the real Virginia Woolf. I agree that "The Hours" is a complex and haunting movie and it certainly makes me want to know more about Woolf and her books.She must have been a literary genius to have accomplished all she did while fighting depression. >>By Jean With all the comments in the movie about hearing "voices", I assumed Virgina was suffering from schizophrenia, not just depression. Any thoughts on this? >>By pam To Mark Smith's comment: So how old do you think Meryl Streep is if Ed Harris is 60? >>By Rikki I am still reeling from yesterdays veiwing of The Hours. It touched me personally, realizing how often we are pushed to the choice point. I relate to the feeling that occurs in the unending hours of joyless life and the courage it takes to choose something other. I deeply understand what Laura means when she say, "What is the meaning of regret if you never had a choice". Here's a thought: "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to ones courage". >>By Pat Jem and Meena have truly landed on the premise and the extensions of this wonderful film: It twists through the catacombed tortures and the beauty of these women and the palettes of their lives: As a male I am enthused to see the Film industry finally creating and releasing films that have female casts in such vibrant roles. I am Scots and have read Ms. Woolfe's "Mrs. Dalloway", and "The Waves". What Joyce did with a day in Bloom's Dublin she has done with the Psyche and time in the single day of Mrs Dalloway's life. The use of the three eras in the film, "The Hours", was seamlessly woven, and the less subtle naming Ms. Streep's character Clarissa, and Richard the poet---fantastic. To say it is a film exclusively about Lesbianism is to suggest 'Waking Ned Devine' was a gambling flick! It is about the complexities of relationships and life. I suggest a reading of either an abridged or full version Mrs. Dalloway prior to seeing the film---just a thought. Again; I rate all the performances and the affect of the Direction and Editing to be superb: For those expecting 'Daredevil' as a mid-20th Century writer--well get a life! I have been to the spot--(it is marked) where Ms. Woolfe descended into the River >>By Cullum this movie is quite interesting, and at times very depressing. I loved all the performances and the makeup and costumes were great. I would love to read more about Virginia Wolfe . Anyone know a good book to recommend. The complexity of the whole thing was what captured me and even though it was difficult to understand.,I would definitely like to view it again. I agree it is about women making life decisions and of course a bit selfish, but very interesting. Not a movie for everyone. She is a very interesting person and very emotionally unstable. >>By rss916 I love a movie that weaves a story. I agree it has provoked a lot of discussion and that's what a good movie SHOULD do! I feel like it was money well spent, it left me with unanswered questions and wanting to know more about Virginia Woolf's life. >>By Sandy Some of my thoughts on the movie are that it was primarily about the inner struggles of Virginia Woolf's amazing mind. All of the characters, apart from the ones in England, were the characters in her book. Further, I think Julianne Moore's character was a representation of who Virginia felt she was, a woman who doesn't fit in, and cannot keep it together (remember the suicide scene in the bed when the water washed over her?) Meryl Streeps character was, perhaps, Virginias "alter-ego" or who she wished she could have been, someone who could relate to people better, and put on a better "act". Perhaps the movie ended without any real resolution for the characters lives because Ms. Woolf commited suicide before finishing the book. I thought this was a wonderful movie about the struggles of life and mental illness. It also showed that as much as our society has become vastly more accepting of Lesbianism, mental illness, and women's need for independence, the inner struggles are still difficult for many women. >>By Allison I went to see the film this evening. I am now left with a very urgent need to read whatever I can by Virginia Woolf and to see the film again as soon as possible. I thought it was incredible and I really wish that there could be a few Oscars given for the performances. What a thought provoking film! >>By Liza After seeing " The Hours", I, too, am driven to find out more about virginia wolfe and as I am doing now on the internet, getting interpretations re the film. Thank you to those who gave me good insights to what the film was about. I agree with you all. Life is a struggle to be who you are. >>By katie The film The Hours was sublime. Nothing has ever portrayed so clearly the condition of depression. I want to know Virginia Wolfe's work and more about her life but I am afraid it may lead me back into depression. However, I think it will be worth the risk. >>By Jane All who have written here should review Sita's comments. She is the only one who hits the nail right on the head! >>By an observer |