29 Feb 2012
Director: Mike Nichols
USA
1966
131min
Deserved winner of 5 Oscars and 3 BAFTAs, the film of Edward Albee’s play is considered by many to be a near-perfect piece of movie-making. Anyone who needs a reminder of the greatness of the late Elizabeth Taylor need spend just a few minutes in the company of her Martha: an irresistible force of vitriol and sadness as she spars with husband George (Richard Burton). In director Nichols’ Hollywood debut the one-set play is maintained in feel; claustrophobic and tense, with the viewer drawn to the performances rather than the production. Black comedy at its blackest.