4 February 2012

Out of Africa (1985)

by guest writer

Out of Africa opens this month dedicated to the American director Sydney Pollack. It is no wonder that the film won the Oscar for Best Picture (and six other awards) under his direction and with the perfect cinematography signed by David Watki and musical score composed by John Barry. The screenplay was written by adapting three literary sources: Karen Blixen’s “Out of Africa”, Judith Thurman’s “Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Story Teller” and Errol Trzebinksi’s “Silence Will Speak”. Another top notch ingredient of the movie are the two main characters, Karen (Meryl Streep) and Denys (Robert Redford).

One gets the impression that the main inspiration for Out of Africa were David Lean’s epics. It is true, due to its presentation of the wide natural surroundings in which the action takes place and because of the documentary feeling as well. The focus of the movie is the love story between Karen and Denys, although the film’s plot progresses through the First World War. Full of subtle eroticism, Out of Africa succeeds in conveying the intimacy between the characters by using seemingly innocent moments filmed in a manner that makes the audience believe in the bond between the two.

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8 Responses to Out of Africa (1985)

  1. denise wrote on
    --> 4 February 2012 at 3:51 pm

    this is a nice one!

  2. mary jo wrote on
    --> 4 February 2012 at 9:04 pm

    It’s so nice that you revisted this Ada! The outdoor shampoo is such a great love scene! Makes me want to watch it again just in time for valentine’s day. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!

    xo Mary Jo

  3. ashley wrote on
    --> 5 February 2012 at 1:22 am

    you know what, i’m ashamed to admit, i’ve never seen this film! i seriously need to. hope you have a great weekend! xoxo

  4. fashionsensitive wrote on
    --> 5 February 2012 at 2:13 pm

    This is one of my favorite film ever and one of the love stories I could watch over and over again! And also, Meryl Streep was/is still one of the best actresses and I do not have to tell more about Robert Redford 😉 Have a nice Sunday!

  5. Helen @ TheStyleSchedule wrote on
    --> 6 February 2012 at 1:02 am

    You know, I have never seen Out of Africa…hmm, must revisit this I think.
    Have a great day, x

  6. Dawn {The Alternative Wife} wrote on
    --> 6 February 2012 at 2:41 am

    Loved Out of Africa! Haven’t thought of this movie in ages! Thank you for bringing back the great memories, Ada 🙂 xoxo

  7. Not Just A Pretty Dress wrote on
    --> 6 February 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Every time I watch this movie, it gives me chills because of the magnificent interpretation of Meryl Streep and a soundtrack that give you the feel of Africa and its big spaces…Thank you for the review!

  8. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 7 February 2012 at 12:09 am

    How did I miss this post?!! It’s one of my favourite films ever and I need to watch it again soon. I read Karen Blixen’s book too many years ago.