Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

I can't imagine a less appropriate movie for couples' viewing than 1966's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?  What was playwright Edward Albee's intention with this piece? Psychoanalysis? Therapy? The film adaptation (by Ernest Lehman) is just brutal, unrelenting, sometimes headache inducing.  I expected this, but you never know how effective something is until you experience it for yourself.  I watched it alone, but its daggers still pierced.  Many themes here are universal, but the examination of marriage will be especially lacerating to those who are/have been there.  Even if you have a solid union.

George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) spend over two hours declaring war on each other.  There as collateral damage are Nick (George Segal) and Honey (Sandy Dennis), who of course will reveal the cracks in their own facade.  Ah, but George and Martha cast no illusions.  Perhaps are quite comfortable in their turbulence.  To soldier through, he has his sarcasm, she has her fantasies, one of which is quite significant, and for me was obvious long before the final scene, when everything is unraveled.  Both also indulge in that great equalizer: alcohol.  It will prompt the usual behaviors.  It will also act as a truth serum, one that loosens tongues until the others cannot bear to hear the words. And George, a history professor, is also a writer, and will blurt truths in the guise of an unpublished novel. 

The quartet engage in an after party, an ostensibly friendly gathering.  With each word, the nastiness expands.  Sometimes it's funny, mostly it's hurtful. We wonder if Liz and Dick are so damned convincing because they're channeling their real life angst on screen.  Director Mike Nichols, in his stunning debut, coaxes some strong meat from all players.  He also opens up Albee's play and makes it cinematic no matter the location.  He and Haskell Wexler make this picture look gorgeous (in black and white), each shot a portrait of shattered dreams and festering anger and guilt.  The sharp words can only serve to illuminate rather than cloak.

I was reminded of some of John Cassavettes' pictures during WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? That claustrophobia, the uncomfortable voyeurism.  I always felt like I shouldn't be hearing these people.  Maybe this film would be cathartic for some.  I imagine it might open up awkward dialogues for many.  Painful silence for others.  There are scenarios here that are as gut wrenching as any individual could face.  I think one viewing was sufficient for me.