This film could have been great, but it isn't. Tilda Swinton does a solid job, though. I haven't read the Virginia Woolf novel. Perhaps that would have helped, but I doubt it since I quite like the basic idea of the story already.
One person, Lord/Lady Orlando, lives on for centuries without aging. Sometimes as a man, sometimes as a woman. Not only is the protagonist an androgynous character, but, overall, the film takes a somewhat feminist point of view. I say somewhat, because I was actually surprised that this theme was not more clearly pronounced.
With a Virginia Woolf novel and Tilda Swinton in her corner, director Sally Potter had the opportunity to create something quite spectacular, but she comes up short. She manages, however, to create a surreal feeling that is enjoyable. For example, she has Orlando look at us, the audience, at several occasions, and even directly address us, in a way that works perfectly.
One person, Lord/Lady Orlando, lives on for centuries without aging. Sometimes as a man, sometimes as a woman. Not only is the protagonist an androgynous character, but, overall, the film takes a somewhat feminist point of view. I say somewhat, because I was actually surprised that this theme was not more clearly pronounced.
With a Virginia Woolf novel and Tilda Swinton in her corner, director Sally Potter had the opportunity to create something quite spectacular, but she comes up short. She manages, however, to create a surreal feeling that is enjoyable. For example, she has Orlando look at us, the audience, at several occasions, and even directly address us, in a way that works perfectly.