725. Out of Africa

Out of Africa
1985
Directed by Sydney Pollack

I remember seeing when I was younger (probably because it is one of my mother's favorites) and thinking how dull it was.  I then read the book and was able to appreciate it a bit more.  Still, I am not sure I can justify its nearly three hour running time.

Karen Dinesen marries Baron Bror Blixen out of convenience, not love.  They move to Africa and start a coffee farm.  Karen fits in nicely, but must put up with a womanizing and selfish husband.  She meets Denys Finch Hatton, a game hunter, and the two develop a friendship.  Of course, who can stay friends with Robert Redford for long without falling in love?  I know I couldn't.

It's probably obvious that the cinematography and acting in this film are both phenomenal.  I still can't say I sat through this without the tiniest bit of boredom, but I can't really point to a part in the movie that could be cut out.  But this is an intelligently written, beautifully acted story so it is not the worst way to spend three hours.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Audrey Hepburn was offered the role of Karen Blixen.

Meryl Streep was nervous doing the hair washing scene, as there was a territorial hippopotamus nearby.

685. Tootsie

Tootsie
1982
Directed by Sydney Pollack

I really do not find men dressed in drag to be that funny, even if it wasn't politically incorrect.  It's just not a very smart joke in itself.  Still, I laughed during the a few bits in the film despite myself.

Michael Dorsey is out of work actor, who can't find a job because of his notorious perfectionism.  On a whim, he dresses as Dorothy Michaels and auditions for a role in a soap opera and gets it.  Hilarity ensues.  I mean, if you find it easier to get work as a woman than as a white man, you must really suck at being a person.  Which I suppose he does.

Overall, it is a very silly film and one that I can't really defend against criticism.  The romantic subplots are a bit upsetting, to say the least.  I suppose we can look at this as a male gaining female perspective, but something tells me this character's selfishness wasn't resolved at the end of the movie.  Still, Dustin Hoffman getting a taxi will always make me laugh.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Dustin Hoffman reportedly got help from Meryl Streep to give his voice right for the part.

Dorothy Michaels' breasts cost $175 each.