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Virginia

  • 2010
  • R
  • 1h 51m
IMDb RATING
5.4/10
2.5K
YOUR RATING
Jennifer Connelly in Virginia (2010)
A sheriff's state senate bid is compromised when his daughter begins to date the son of a charming but psychologically disturbed woman with whom the sheriff has engaged in a two-decades-long affair.
Play trailer2:16
2 Videos
53 Photos
Psychological DramaDrama

A sheriff sees his state senate bid slide out onto the ice when his daughter begins to date the son of a charming but psychologically disturbed woman with whom the sheriff has engaged in a t... Read allA sheriff sees his state senate bid slide out onto the ice when his daughter begins to date the son of a charming but psychologically disturbed woman with whom the sheriff has engaged in a two-decade-long affair.A sheriff sees his state senate bid slide out onto the ice when his daughter begins to date the son of a charming but psychologically disturbed woman with whom the sheriff has engaged in a two-decade-long affair.

  • Director
    • Dustin Lance Black
  • Writer
    • Dustin Lance Black
  • Stars
    • Jennifer Connelly
    • Ed Harris
    • Harrison Sloan Gilbertson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.4/10
    2.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Dustin Lance Black
    • Writer
      • Dustin Lance Black
    • Stars
      • Jennifer Connelly
      • Ed Harris
      • Harrison Sloan Gilbertson
    • 15User reviews
    • 27Critic reviews
    • 33Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos2

    U.S. Version
    Trailer 2:16
    U.S. Version
    Virginia
    Trailer 2:10
    Virginia
    Virginia
    Trailer 2:10
    Virginia

    Photos53

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    Top cast55

    Edit
    Jennifer Connelly
    Jennifer Connelly
    • Virginia
    Ed Harris
    Ed Harris
    • Richard Tipton
    Harrison Sloan Gilbertson
    Harrison Sloan Gilbertson
    • Emmett
    • (as Harrison Gilbertson)
    Amy Madigan
    Amy Madigan
    • Roseanna Tipton
    Carrie Preston
    Carrie Preston
    • Betty
    Barry Shabaka Henley
    Barry Shabaka Henley
    • Willie
    Kevin Patrick Brown
    • Jerry
    Tom Van Howe
    • Sheriff's Patrol Host
    Ward Burton
    • Ward Burton
    Paul Walter Hauser
    Paul Walter Hauser
    • Dale
    Emma Roberts
    Emma Roberts
    • Jessie Tipton
    Paul Boocock
    Paul Boocock
    • Teacher
    Yeardley Smith
    Yeardley Smith
    • Mrs. Whitaker
    Toby Jones
    Toby Jones
    • Max
    Michele DeSelms
    • Local Newscaster
    Dennis Rauss
    • Governor
    Alex Frost
    Alex Frost
    • Josh Tipton
    Penny Slusher
    • Mrs. Tyler
    • Director
      • Dustin Lance Black
    • Writer
      • Dustin Lance Black
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews15

    5.42.4K
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    Featured reviews

    8napierslogs

    Undertones of mental illness, religion and politics take Virginia to interesting places

    Virginia (Jennifer Connelly) is one seriously disturbed woman. One possible look at it is that she was screwed over by having an affair with an aspiring Senator, Dick Tipton (Ed Harris), who left her pregnant and alone to raise her son as a single mother. "Virginia" has a number of story lines, some in present time, some in flashbacks, but all resulting from the affair between Virginia and Sheriff Tipton.

    The first is one of a teen romance. Virginia's son, Emmett (Harrison Gilbertson) is in love with the Sheriff's daughter, Jessie (Emma Roberts). The problem is they are half-siblings and they're told they're not even allowed to see each other let alone be friends with each other. Nobody is supposed to know of the affair so their forced separation can raise a few eyebrows. Interestingly, it's Emmett who starts questioning what's really going on.

    What's really going on is that nobody is stable. The Sheriff is a devout Mormon and extreme conservative. In his Senatorial bid campaign, he needs a photo-op with a red, white and blue Ferris wheel, but the town's only Ferris wheel is pink and it's owned by an out-and-proud gay man. It is the simple conflicts like this which are resolved on the surface which lead to the very interesting dynamics in the film.

    Dustin Lance Black is a relatively young filmmaker who is making his directorial debut with "Virginia" and previously wrote the screenplays for "Milk", "J. Edgar" and the HBO series "Big Love". He was raised in a Mormon household and community and was worried about his sexuality. Most of his filmmaking career has been spent inspiring people to become LGBT activists.

    What is interesting about "Virginia" is that while none of the main characters are outwardly gay, the film appears to still be very personal with the boardwalk town likely doubling for Black's hometown of San Antonio, Texas. The religious undertones are very present but never over-powering.

    The overall plot of "Virginia" definitely has places to go but the story hasn't been too well received. What is more interesting is what the film is trying to say without actually saying it. Black is such a talented writer that there's lots to read in between the lines.
    1blanche52

    YOU do the math

    We are supposed to believe that Virginia started the affair with Richard when she was 24 and he was 44 and it's been going on for 16 years? Hollywood BS.
    7Fludlerk

    Interesting film.

    I saw the premiere of this film tonight at the tiff festival in Toronto. Most of the starring cast was on hand for the premiere, which was nice, and they appeared very proud of the film.

    In all, the film was a bit above average, but the pacing was a bit off in places and so it seemed that just when it sucked you in it let you go, and that repeated several times during the show. It's a good film though, with a great deal of humour and subtleties, but doesn't quite get there enough to make it a great film.

    Jennifer Connolly gives a very inspired performance, and she's really the one who draws you in the most and really puts you through a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. She's over the top, silly, tragic, and lovable, though you never quite figure her out. Ed Harris plays a wonderfully complex and very understated role, but it's the underlying parts of his character that he brings out so well.

    In the end, you don't quite come out with a feeling that you were completely happy, but you have a lot of good parts to look back on. I would have given this film an 8 if not for the uneven pacing of the film, and if you're into character driven stories then you'll likely enjoy this one.
    Benedict_Cumberbatch

    There's nothing wrong with Virginia, but there might be a mormon boy in her closet!

    I was fortunate enough to attend the world premiere of Dustin Lance Black's highly personal, unique, and heartfelt new film, "What's Wrong With Virginia", in Toronto. The film owns a quirky charm that reminds me of Tony Richardson's "The Hotel New Hampshire" (1984, based on John Irving's novel), yet with its own very personal style. Jennifer Connelly, more beautiful than ever at 39, gives her best performance since 2003's "House of Sand and Fog". She plays Virginia Nicholaus, a mentally ill single mom who's had an affair with the local Mormon (and married) Sheriff Dick Tipton (Ed Harris, great as always) for 16 years. Her teenaged son, Emmett (newcomer Harrison Gilbertson, very convincing and simply adorable) is her only real love, and their relationship is the real core of the film (Black has stated the film is loosely based on his relationship with his mom). Things get complicated when Emmett - who may or may not be the Sheriff's son - starts dating Dick's daughter, Jessie Tipton (Emma Roberts), and how that and an unwelcome 'revelation' by Virginia can ruin Dick's political goals and marriage.

    Black, who won a much deserved Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Gus Van Sant's "Milk" (and gave a groundbreaking, already classic acceptance speech), is not just a terrific writer, but also a natural actor's director. He extracts great performances from his ensemble, and although this is clearly Connelly's show, other cast members deserve to be mentioned: Amy Madigan, married to Ed Harris in real life and in the film, gives a moving, understated performance that could've easily been overplayed/clichéd; she's one of our most underrated character actresses. Carrie Preston, of "True Blood" fame and the best thing about "Duplicity", plays Virginia's friend Betty with gusto, and Toby Jones ("Infamous") is great in a character that starts out as creepy to later become human and even endearing. Yeardley Smith, mostly known as the voice of Lisa Simpson, also has a small part and is one of the executive producers of the film (Christine Vachon and Gus Van Sant himself, who don't get involved with just any kind of material, are some of the others who helped bring this project to life).

    "What's Wrong With Virginia" provides lots of laughs and a considerable emotional punch that almost made me sob by the end. It's humorous and outrageous, tragic yet optimistic; it made me feel a range of emotions that most films out there fall short of. Well done, again, Mr. Black! It's comforting to know real auteurs are still blossoming in the world of cinema.
    10michael-335-141594

    Get out the hankies boys and girls!

    Few actors today have the breadth of Jennifer Connelly. She never shirks from difficult roles. From Mullholland Falls to Little Children or The House Of Sand and Fog and now this, she plays her characters convincingly as though she owns them in her heart. She never takes it over the top. Ed Harris' character is a cardboard cop and is well done given the parameters of the role. This movie is a brilliant portrait of a mentally challenged mom trying to make the best in this world for her son. Harrison Gilbertson is very good as her boy. Emma Roberts as his girlfriend does a great job as a dutiful Mormon 16 year old. Amy Madigan is convincing as Ed Harris' wife. See it with an open heart and this movie will transport you. Brilliant.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The Saugatuck High School Marching Band of 2010 performed as the band on the beach.
    • Quotes

      Emmett: Who pissed in your Sugar Puffs?

      Virginia: I'll tell you what, Willie. Nobody pissed in my Sugar Puffs. My morning just sucked balls.

    • Connections
      Referenced in AEW Collision: Episode #3.32 (2025)
    • Soundtracks
      Mandy
      Written by Richard Kerr, Scott English

      Performed by Barry Manilow

      Courtesy of Arista Records LLC

      By Arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

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    FAQ17

    • How long is Virginia?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 15, 2010 (Canada)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • What's Wrong with Virginia
    • Filming locations
      • Holland, Michigan, USA
    • Production companies
      • Killer Films
      • TicTock Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $12,728
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $6,915
      • May 20, 2012
    • Gross worldwide
      • $12,728
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 51m(111 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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