Cocktails with George and Martha: Movies, Marriage, and the Making of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Philip Gefter Summary

Cocktails with George and Martha: Movies, Marriage, and the Making of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Philip Gefter Summary Edward Albee's 1966 movie, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" embarks on a nighttime journey of taunts and challenges, marked by intense peaks and tender moments. The film commences with the return of George and Martha, a married couple, after a late-night gathering. Martha, portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor, casually dismisses the event as a "DumP," before abruptly turning towards George, played by Richard Burton. Martha believes she's mimicking Bette Davis's performance in a "goddamn Warner Brothers epic," yet her delivery lacks Davis's usual precise enunciation; it's a fleeting remark, devoid of Hollywood diva flair. In the original 1962 stage production of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," actress Uta Hagen meticulously articulated the line, surpassing even Davis herself. Taylor's portrayal pays homage to Hagen's interpretation, which Taylor encountered on the Broadway cast recording while preparing for her role. "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" unfolds as a story about marriage, portrayed through the larger-than-life personas of Edward Albee, Mike Nichols, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ernest Lehman. Lehman, the producer, skillfully managed the demands of a novice director and the indulgences of his star actors, ensuring the film's completion while safeguarding his own legacy. The film's success mirrored and influenced the cultural currents of its era, cementing its status as an American classic. Behind the scenes, power dynamics fluctuated between director Nichols and producer Lehman, while the tumultuous off-screen marriage of Burton and Taylor added another layer of drama. "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" delves into the imperfect and uncontrollable aspects of marriage, as George and Martha navigate a tumultuous night where their inner demons clash with each other and their guests. The film exposes the cracks in their marriage, reflecting the author's fascination with the institution itself. The author first encountered the movie at fifteen, struck by its raw sensuality and profanity. Over the years, they revisited the film repeatedly, dissecting its nuances and appreciating its intelligence, direction, dialogue, and visual clarity. The film's authenticity in portraying marital love, enhanced by the real-life dynamics of its actors, resonates deeply with the author. Observing any couple's conflict feels voyeuristic, and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" captures this discomfort while authentically depicting love within marriage. For the author, it remains the most genuine portrayal of marital love they've encountered. Here is a Preview of What You Will Get: ⁃ A Detailed Introduction ⁃ A Comprehensive Chapter by Chapter Summary ⁃ Etc Get a copy of this summary and learn about the book.