Watch Orlando

Orlando is a 1992 film directed by Sally Potter based on the novel of the same name by Virginia Woolf. Starring Tilda Swinton, Billy Zane, and Quentin Crisp, the movie is a unique blend of historical drama, romance, and fantasy. The story follows the life of Orlando, a nobleman in Elizabethan England who leads an extraordinary existence spanning over four centuries. Originally a man, Orlando experiences a sudden transformation into a woman after a deep sleep that lasts for several days. The sudden change of gender creates a shift in societal expectations and perceptions of Orlando's identity, and he/she soon discovers the complexities and limitations that come with their new form.

As the story progresses, Orlando navigates through social norms and expectations while experiencing a range of transformations—physical, mental, and emotional. The film is a powerful commentary on gender, sexuality, and societal norms, with Orlando constantly challenging and blurring the lines between traditional masculine and feminine characteristics.

Tilda Swinton delivers an outstanding performance as Orlando, capturing the character's essence throughout the centuries-spanning narrative. Swinton's ability to convey the different stages in Orlando's life, through subtle changes in body language, facial expressions, and voice inflections, highlights the range and depth of her acting skills.

The film's stunning visuals and costume design add to its overall brilliance, with the depictions of each era being visually captivating and accurate. From Elizabethan England to 17th-century Constantinople and the 20th century, the movie unfolds like a charming history lesson, connecting us to the past while providing commentary on the present.

Billy Zane's portrayal of Marmaduke Bonthrop Shelmerdine, Orlando's love interest, is also noteworthy, with the chemistry between the two characters being both enigmatic and magnetic.

Throughout the narrative, the film subtly tackles themes of gender and sexuality, challenging the conventional notions of masculinity and femininity, highlighting the fluidity of these constructs and how they change through time.

Despite the non-linear narrative structure, the film maintains coherence and clarity throughout its runtime, aided by memorable characters and impeccable storytelling. The film's soundtrack, composed by David Motion, also adds to its overall excellence, with its melodic and haunting themes complementing the story and visuals perfectly.

In conclusion, Orlando is an extraordinary film, showcasing Sally Potter's impeccable direction, a powerful script, and brilliant performances from its cast. The movie is a timeless masterpiece and one of the most groundbreaking films in the history of cinema. Its exploration of traditional gender roles, the fluidity of identity, and the complexities of love and desire make it a striking commentary on the human experience, and a must-watch film for audiences of all ages.

Orlando is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 75.