Orlando, The Film
My Review
This film is based on the book by Virginia Woolf of the same name, published in 1928 (the screenplay was written by Sally Potter who also directed the film). It is considered by some to be a mixture of fiction and biography. It's the story of a young page named Orlando who becomes one of the Queen's concubines. She promises him the deed to the house she visits in England so long as he promises in return to never grow old. He agrees. So we follow Orlando through the centuries as he attempts to keep his home and find love without drawing attention to himself.
The mind wants what the mind wants and when you're watching a movie it is usually to know what is going on. Orlando defies all logic spanning a couple centuries without really explaining why or how it is possible, but it is beautiful to watch; the costumes, the scenery and of course Tilda Swinton who plays the lead (most recently seen in The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe as the white witch).
At points it does seem a bit long with no end in site but if you can lift yourself above storyline, lack of plot and the usual things that carry a movie you may find enjoyment in getting to know the struggle of one man who becomes a woman and the times they live in as they learn about love, deception, jealousy, devotion, admiration, honor and the rights of the sexes.
This movie is not completely true to the book as the director added on a world war in an attempt to update the movie had Woolf written the story later. I have seen this movie a few times and still enjoy it. It is worth watching at least twice to wrap your mind around it. Orlando made me fall in love with Tilda. If you're a fan of Billy Zane you get to see him ride in on a horse, sweep Orlando off her feet and depart as quickly as he came. The movie isn't about him or their relationship, as the title stipulates, it's about Orlando.
A Quick Peek at the Film Orlando
Beautiful costumes, interesting looking people, and a variety of settings make Orlando a spectacle to enjoy. Tilda has never looked so beautiful. Actually, I thought she was gorgeous in Constantine too.
The Film
The Book
Thank you for stopping by to read my review of the Orlando film. Have you seen the movie? Are you a fan of Tilda Swinton? What's your favorite Tilda Swinton movie?