Review of Out of Africa (1985) by Peter A — 16 Jan 2010

This is a film that was almost never made. Jon Voight was to have played the lead back in a proposed shoot in the 70's, but studios blanched at the cost of filming in Africa. And there was no real script they complained, citing only a rough sketch of a diary left by Karen Blixen. Finially, convinced this was a story that had to be told, director Sydney Pollack stumped up his own money and assembled an impressive cast. He solved the script problem by enganging Kurt Luedtke to pick over the bones of Blixen's scribblings, packed his bags and headed for Kenya.

Right from the opening credits, with the scene of a train snaking along the African terrain to a haunting John Barry theme, you know Pollack made the right choice. The film is long, so those in search of a quicky will be shifting in their seats before its conclusion. Nevertheless, under Pollack's meticulous direction, it becomes a labour of love. Sympathetic performances by Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, breathtaking scenery and a strong supporting cast means this film punches its weight. Tragedy trickles through its course. The ending is particulalry well handled and there are several opportunities for viewers to feel a lump or two in the throat.

A magnificent achievement of a film that is a credit to all concerned and worthy of its seven Oscars.