Orlando Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An immortal gender-fluid nobleman just wants to write poetry and find love, but history keeps getting in the way (and also they wake up one day as a woman).

🍿 Orlando: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Elizabethan Era and the Promise of Immortality

In 1600, young nobleman Orlando (Tilda Swinton) captures the attention of Queen Elizabeth I (Quentin Crisp). The Queen bestows upon him land and wealth, but with a peculiar condition: he must never grow old. Orlando, intrigued and honored, accepts the Queen’s command. This sets the stage for his centuries-long journey through time, unbound by the constraints of aging.

Love and Heartbreak with Princess Sasha

Following Queen Elizabeth’s death, Orlando falls deeply in love with Princess Sasha (Charlotte Valandrey), a Russian diplomat’s daughter. Their passionate romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of the English court. However, their love is short-lived as Sasha unexpectedly leaves Orlando, leading to a profound heartbreak that sends him into a period of isolation.

From Constantinople to a Transformative Sleep

Seeking purpose and escape from his heartbreak, Orlando embarks on a diplomatic mission to Constantinople. He becomes an ambassador and finds camaraderie with The Khan (Lothaire Bluteau). Amidst political intrigue and witnessing the horrors of war, Orlando collapses and falls into a deep slumber. Upon awakening, he undergoes a remarkable transformation – he becomes a woman.

Navigating Life as Lady Orlando

Returning to England as Lady Orlando, she faces legal challenges and societal expectations that restrict her rights and autonomy. She encounters literary figures and experiences firsthand the limitations placed upon women in the 18th century. Despite these challenges, Orlando maintains her independent spirit and continues her quest for self-discovery.

Love and Loss in the 19th and 20th Centuries

As the centuries progress, Orlando encounters Shelmerdine (Billy Zane), an American adventurer, and finds a deep connection with him. She gives birth to a daughter but ultimately chooses to remain independent rather than follow Shelmerdine to America. The film culminates in the modern era, with Orlando as a writer and a mother, reflecting on her extraordinary life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Orlando (Tilda Swinton): An immortal nobleman/woman who navigates centuries of English history while grappling with identity, love, and societal expectations.
• Queen Elizabeth I (Quentin Crisp): The aging queen who bestows immortality and a unique command upon young Orlando.
• Shelmerdine (Billy Zane): An American adventurer who becomes Orlando’s lover in the 19th century, representing a modern and free-spirited connection.
• Princess Sasha (Charlotte Valandrey): A Russian princess who captures Orlando’s heart in the early 17th century, leading to heartbreak and disillusionment.
• Nick Greene (Heathcote Williams): A poet who initially ridicules Orlando’s work but later reappears as a literary editor, offering a full-circle moment of validation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Queen Elizabeth I: “Do not fade. Do not wither. Do not grow old.” – The Queen’s command to Orlando, which sets the stage for his immortal journey through time.
• Orlando: “Same person. No difference at all. Just a different sex.” – Orlando’s understated reaction upon waking up as a woman, highlighting the film’s exploration of gender identity.
• Orlando: “It has been said to me that the English make a habit of collecting… countries.” – Orlando’s satirical observation on British imperialism and expansionism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,377,643
• Worldwide Gross: $5,409,423

💥 Orlando Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Orlando’ in college, and it completely blew my mind! The way Tilda Swinton embodies Orlando through different eras and genders is just incredible. The scene where Orlando wakes up as a woman and just casually accepts it – iconic! It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience. This movie made me question everything, and that’s what I love about it. I think if you are looking for a movie that makes you think, this one is for you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Virginia Woolf’s novels”
  • “Viewers interested in gender studies and queer cinema”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning and thought-provoking films”
  • “Art house cinema enthusiasts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Implied sexual content”
  • “Themes of gender identity and societal expectations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Sally Potter’s ‘Orlando’ is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel. Tilda Swinton delivers a captivating performance, embodying the androgynous spirit of the character across centuries. The film’s exploration of gender, identity, and societal expectations is both profound and entertaining, making it a must-see for cinephiles.
• The New York Times: “A film that embraces the complexities of Virginia Woolf’s novel, ‘Orlando’ is a triumph of visual storytelling. Tilda Swinton’s portrayal is mesmerizing. While the narrative can be challenging, the film’s beauty and thematic depth make it a rewarding experience.
• Sight & Sound: “Potter’s ‘Orlando’ is a bold and imaginative adaptation of Woolf’s seminal work. The film’s aesthetic is breathtaking, with opulent costumes and striking cinematography. Swinton delivers a career-defining performance. A film that rewards multiple viewings.

Audience Reactions

Tilda Swinton’s performance is mesmerizing and truly embodies the spirit of Orlando.: Viewers praise the film’s stunning visuals, thought-provoking themes, and Tilda Swinton’s androgynous portrayal of Orlando.

The film’s costumes and set design are breathtaking and transport you to another world.: Many loved the exploration of gender identity and societal expectations across centuries.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and intellectually stimulating adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel, praised for Tilda Swinton’s performance and its exploration of gender and identity.

Awards

1. Camerimage (Golden Frog)- 1992
2. Venice Film Festival (Queer Lion)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tilda Swinton’s androgynous appearance was a key factor in her casting, perfectly embodying the character’s fluid gender identity.”
• “Director Sally Potter also composed the film’s musical score, showcasing her diverse artistic talents.”
• “The film was shot in various historical locations, including Blenheim Palace, to enhance its authenticity and visual appeal.”
• “The costumes, designed by Sandy Powell, won an Academy Award and are renowned for their historical accuracy and beauty.”

🖥️ How to Watch Orlando?

Orlando is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for streaming options, as availability may vary by region. Some platforms may offer the film as part of a subscription service, while others require a separate purchase or rental.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Orlando, you might like these similar films:

• The Age of Adaline (2015): Features a female protagonist who ceases to age, exploring themes of love, identity, and the passage of time.
• Interview with the Vampire (1994): Explores immortality and its impact on identity and relationships across centuries, similar to Orlando’s journey.
• Shakespeare in Love (1998): Offers a reimagining of a specific historical period (Elizabethan England) with a focus on romance and gender roles, akin to Orlando’s early setting.
• Boys Don’t Cry (1999): Deals with gender identity and societal prejudice, sharing some thematic concerns with Orlando’s exploration of gender roles.

🛒 Orlando Related Products

• Orlando (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored edition of the film in high definition, featuring insightful commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, and essays exploring the film’s themes and production.
• Orlando by Virginia Woolf (Paperback): The source material for the film, Virginia Woolf’s novel is a groundbreaking exploration of gender, identity, and time. This edition features insightful introductions and annotations.
• Tilda Swinton: The Unconventional Icon: A biography exploring Tilda Swinton’s career, highlighting her transformative roles and her impact on cinema. Featuring in-depth analyses of her work, including her performance in ‘Orlando’.
• Orlando Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the iconic movie poster. Capture the essence and memories of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Orlando features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Eliza Is the Fairest Queen” – performed by Jimmy Somerville
• “Orlando” – performed by David Motion, Sally Potter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mark Kermode reviews Orlando (1992) | BFI Player

Ever wondered what the critics thought of Orlando? Mark Kermode’s review is a must-watch. He really gets into the heart of what makes the film so unique.

✨ Rate