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.
I thought this movie was mesmerizing and beautiful. Sad, but really a good story. Acting was phenomenal.
ReplyDeleteI still Redford, even after The Natural.
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