"You are cordially invited to George and Martha's for an evening of fun and games"
Director: Mike Nichols
Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal, Sandy Dennis, Agnes Flanagan
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf? ... I am, George. I am.
Context
The very last lines of the film, spoken softly after the 'son' has been declared dead.
Meaning
The final admission of vulnerability. It signifies that without the 'big bad wolf' (illusion), she is terrified of the reality (Virginia Woolf/madness/truth) she must now face.
What a dump!
Context
Spoken immediately upon entering the messy house, quoting a Bette Davis film.
Meaning
Establishes Martha's theatrical discontent and her reliance on pop culture to express her dissatisfaction with her domestic life.
I swear to God George, if you even existed I'd divorce you.
Context
During one of their early arguments in front of the guests.
Meaning
Highlights the existential nature of their conflict; George is so passive and beaten down he barely registers as a 'real' man to her.
Truth or illusion, George; you don't know the difference.
Context
Spoken during the escalation of their games, accusing George of losing his grip.
Meaning
Encapsulates the central theme of the film: the blurring lines between their fabricated reality and the actual world.
A drowning man takes down those nearest.
Context
Reflecting on George's behavior and the inevitable collateral damage of their fighting.
Meaning
A warning about the destructive nature of their relationship and how it will consume Nick and Honey.
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