In 1951, Laura Brown, a pregnant housewife, is planning a party for her husband, but she can't stop reading the novel 'Mrs. Dalloway'. Clarissa Vaughn, a modern woman living in present times is throwing a party for her friend Richard, a famous author dying of AIDS. These two stories are simultaneously linked to the work and life of Virginia Woolf, who's writing the novel mentioned before. In 1923, Virginia Woolf (Kidman) is starting to write her novel, 'Mrs. Dalloway,' under the care of doctors and family. In 1951, Laura Brown (Moore) is planning for her husband's birthday, but is preoccupied with reading Woolf's novel. In 2001, Clarrisa Vaughn (Streep) is planning an award party for her friend, an author dying of AIDS. Taking place over one day, all three stories are interconnected with the novel mentioned before, as one is writing it, one is reading it, and one is living it. Recuperating from a nervous breakdown, Virginia Woolf begins work on her depression-themed novel "Mrs. Dalloway", which goes on to play a key role not only in her own life but in the lives of a 1950s housewife contemplating suicide and a new-millennium posh lesbian publisher caring for her dying friend. The film concerns three women each suffering from depression. Virginia Woolf (Kidman) is beginning writing her book Mrs. Dalloway in the '20s. She is coming to the realization of her lesbianism and fighting her pure dispair of life and migrains. Virginia recieves a visit from her sister Vanessa and Vanessa's two sons and daughter. The daughter places a strong influence on Virginia's emotions through the death of a bird. Eventually Virgnia must face the decision to run away to London, stay with her beloved husband suffering in Richmond, or move to London where the doctors forbid her to go. Laura Brown (Moore), a mother fearing her ability to be a mother, is reading Mrs Dalloway in the early '50s. Laura is trying to throw a wonderful birthday party for her husband. Laura thinks she won't be an adequate mother to her daughter to be born in a few months and son. Laura must make the decision to run away from it all or live miserably with her happy husband. Clarissa Vaughan (Streep) is living in present times. Her nickname, given by her poet-friend, Richard, who is dieing of aids, is Mrs. Dalloway. Clarissa is also throwing a party but for Richard (Harris) who is recieving an award for his poetry. Clarissa is also a lesbian but also wonders if she is in love with Richard with whom she once dated. At the end, the whole plot twists and comes together. The basic theme of the film is wondering if it is better to live your life for your own happiness or others'.

release year: 2002

star(s): Allison Janney    Claire Danes    Ed Harris    Julianne Moore    Meryl Streep    Nicole Kidman