Out of Africa
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Movie Reviews of Out of Africa
Movie Review: Africa DVD is Gorgeous
Summary: 5 Stars
The transfer of OUT OF AFRICA is gorgeous on this newly released DVD. The African sun is bright and the detail is crisp -- very important since the scenery is practically a third character in this Oscar-winning "Best Picture" from 1985.I really enjoyed "Song of Africa", the documentary created for this DVD release. Not mentioned in the DVD's technical specs, this documentary features several cut scenes not included in the film (except in a network television showing). Example: the subplot of the servant boy with the bad leg whom Karen Blixen heals. There are a few Redford-Streep scenes there, too, which ended up on the cutting room floor (a last dance among Karen Blixen's packed-up home; a made-up story on safari.)
Also, the documentary features incredibly funny and entertaining tales told by Meryl Streep. She is a great mimic -- listen to the sound effects that woman can make! At times hilarious and reflective, she shares stories about the making of the film (the story of a tethered lion she was supposed to whip is particularly funny). Conspicuously absent (just like in THE WAY WE WERE DVD) is Mr. Redford's point of view.
Also interesting is screenwriter Kurt Luedtke's tales of the script. It is fascinating to learn about the genesis of classic moments. Wait til you hear how he came up with the idea of Streep getting her hair washed by Redford. (Then listen to Streep's hilarious story of the Hippos in the river!) Also revealing is composer John Barry's interview. His scoring of Blixen's desert march is interesting -- music can really shape a scene!
OUT OF AFRICA is one of my favorite films. The widescreen version on this DVD is a great presentation! Definitely one for your collection! Thanks, Universal and Sydney Pollack for putting together a great package.
Movie Review: Into the Heart of "Out of Africa"
Summary: 5 Stars
The most honored movie of 1985, "Out of Africa" is indeed an outstanding cinematic achievement. It works on every level imaginable: as an historical epic; as an adventure; as a biography; as a poignant romance. The film's success is partly attributable to many fine elements which blend together seamlessly: its script, direction, sets, cinematography, performances, and editing are each masterful accomplishments. These individual virtues are given synergy by two outstanding achievements that together form the movie's backbone and provide its true heart and soul. One is the sensitive performance of the radiant Meryl Streep, who dominates both in terms of screen time and charisma; the other is the exquisite, majestic score by John Barry. Actor and composer complement each other perfectly. The famous flying sequence in which his music underscores the emotions flashing across her face is a superb example of cinema at its best: it invites the viewer's spirit to soar.
Happily, the DVD presentation of this gem is a treasure in itself. The video transfer is sharp and clear, with a fairly subtle transition between the dual-layers of the disc, and the sound is well-balanced and crisp, a definite improvement over the LaserDisc and VHS releases. There are fantastic extras offered on the DVD, including the advance theatrical trailer and a director's audio commentary. I especially enjoyed the documentary on the making of the film, which featured recent interviews with Streep, Barry, and director Sydney Pollack, intercut with behind-the-scenes footage taken during filming. All-in-all, this is a marvelous edition of a much-beloved film, and a worthy addition to your DVD library.
Movie Review: An epic romance classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Out of Africa is simply a masterpiece of cinematic art. This film does an exceptional job of delving into each of the characters and creating an understanding of what it is that makes all lovers and humanity itself such a difficult and complex chain of events. Meryl Streep proves once again what an acting legend she is by playing Karen Blixen, a Danish "immigrant" to Eastern Africa and how she learned to fall in love with the land, the people, and of a British hunter named Denys, played by a very American Robert Redford. Their relationship is unique and genuinely romantic, certainly one of the great epic romances of all time. Their love is a play between what your heart needs and what your head tells you what you should do with your life. In the end, their love is not of this world, it is not ours. It is a lesson in learning that nothing is forever, nothing is owned by us, not even the love we create for ourselves and then discard. This earth, represented so well by Africa, owns everything we think we have, and ultimately, like Denys, we all go back to whence we come. Out of Africa is a gorgeously filmed movie, with some of the most spectacular scenery ever recorded on film. The flying over Africa scene is romance and adventure next to none. The film score by John Barry is certainly one of the best of all time, and it perfectly captures the romantic grandeur of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, and their glorious attempt at forever possessing each other's heart, only to learn that their love is not to remain constant, just like the beauty of the African savannah is not to be consistent. A romantic, visual, musical, and historical masterpiece, Not to be missed.Movie Review: The most ambitious filmic project of Pollack: undeniably his masterpiece!
Summary: 5 Stars
The main concernment of Pollack as filmmaker has always been the human relationships, and specifically unusual love stories, despite of the fact the main title has to do with spies affairs (Three days of Condor) or comedies of mistakes (Tootsie). Underneath his cripts the love nestles and waits to shine or fade.
In the middle of two troubled individualities, a woman will have to live. Her personal memories and affective tragedy will face Africa that continent that would seem a weird influence of cathartic nature around most of people, establishing new breakthroughs, crucial crossroads that props extreme decisions and forges wills.
The life of Karen Bixen emerges from the forgotten pages of the literature acquiring life and portentous expression through this romantic drama and epic saga. She marries by convenience and must displace from Denmark to Nairobi, where she eventually will find the embodiment of the freedom through the life and times of a British adventurer, totally unworried by social conventions. So she will fall in love with him and so she will be ablñe to appreciate the life through other lenses.
The sequences are absorbing and engaging for the viewer. Africa in its robust nakedness, and mysterious splendor will work out as big frame.
Tour de force acting of Mrs. Streep, Klaus Maria Bandauer and Robert Redford that counted with an inspirational direction and magisterial soundtrack. .
Movie Review: Superb
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't know how it is that I never saw this film when it came out, but in a way I'm glad I didn't as I wouldn't have been old enough to appreciate it.
Meryl Streep is astonishing. She and the scenery are the best thing about this movie. The woman is a born mimic and her Danish accent threw me off so much that I had to keep looking at her to make sure it was really her.
The movie, as pointed out elsewhere, is slow to start. Audiences today wouldn't give it the time... which would be a pity, because it's a beautiful love story played out against the drama of Africa during the early 20th century.
The score by John Barry is stunning. It did catch me off guard that it was not more heavily influenced by African instruments, but since it is a love story, that is what John Barry achieved, and gorgeously so.
The only weak link in the film is Robert Redford. I don't think he can act, and I don't know why it is that Meryl took the time and trouble to get a perfect Danish accent, while Redford, acting as a British man, didn't even take an elocution lesson with a proper British speaker.
But Meryl Streep was so superb that even though the love story is between her and Redford, she, and what she went through and experienced and felt, all so clear on that magnificent face, overshadow all of Redford's weaknesses.
If you can be patient through the first 30 minutes are so, you will be rewarded. An excellent film.