Review of Out of Africa (1985) by Del T — 19 May 2010
The best film of 1985, and Sydney Pollack's best movie ever. Deservedly won the Oscar for Best Picture. A stunningly beautiful romantic epic.
Meryl Streep, in one of her best, most accomplished, most heartfelt roles is Danish Karen Blixen, ( soon to be world renown novelist Isak Dinisen ), marrying for convenience, accompanies her meal ticket Klaus Maria Branduer, to the safarian wilds of colonial Kenya during the World World War I.
She gains a Kenyan coffee farm in the bargain, and her desire to bring modern world living conditions and Danish culture / education to this land, is soon tempered by her growing fondness for her new African home.
Like Scarlett O' Hara, Karen was so sheltered and protected her whole life, she soon finds due to circumstance of war, that she also has untapped depths of resolve and bravery as she is forced to trek across the brutal savannah and hot deserts, battling the elements, lions, and warring native tribes, leading a herd of cattle and cattlemen to her husband's location on the front lines.
She soon realizes the wondrous expanses of Africa is truly her home, and forms a bond with the native Kikuyu tribe who reside on her land.
Philandering Brandauer distances Karen who then finds her soul mate in the hunter / ivory trader Denys Finch-Hatton played by Pollack's male muse, Robert Redford.
Her love for Africa is embodied in this man, and she can't face the fact he can never truly be his. Their relationship provides the juice for the film. He takes her on safari. She tells him stories by fireside. He takes her flying. She brings her fine China and fine satin linens on hunting expeditions.
The are a classy mismatched pair and we the audience can't help be caught up in their relationship, and its' tragic result.
And what visual spectacle. The African scenery and the wildlife vistas are the other main characters in this romance. Absurdly beautiful. Every frame is a marvel, very set piece is a gem. Orchestrated by cinematographer, David Watkins, and punctuated by John Barry's uplifting score. One of his best ever.
Saw this when it premiered in December 1985 ,and I make it a point to see it at least once a year, and it never fails to enthrall and amaze me.
Good times.
This review of Out of Africa (1985) was written by Del T on 19 May 2010.
Out of Africa has generally received positive reviews.
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