Out of Africa (1985)

Out of Africa (1985)

Sydney Pollack’s Out of Africa is a very interesting case study. On paper, it has the makings of an amazing film; an old-fashioned, lengthy drama that mimics epics of old, an excellent director in Pollack, and two leading stars with high pedigree: Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. Sadly, the finished product does not reach the dazzling heights it could have been. I did thoroughly enjoy the film, but one couldn’t help expressing disappointment. Looking back, how on earth did this film win Best Picture over the likes of The Color Purple or Witness? It does not even have a fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. Even though I mostly liked it, I can completely sympathize and understand why people would not.

Let’s focus on the positives first. Sydney Pollack previously worked with Robert Redford in the excellent 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson. Together, they continued a strong collaboration. Pollack’s direction is sure-handed and competent. Redford, who played a character that is supposed to be British, delivered a good performance despite the material given to him. Meryl Streep is fantastic as Karen Blixen, the Danish woman who wanted to find love. She almost did not get the role since Pollack believed she did not have enough sex appeal, but being the amazing actress she is, Streep did all she can to earn the role.

There are more good things. Actually, I will talk about things that stands the test of time; mainly the cinematography and score. David Watkin captured the essence and soul of the Kenyan landscape. No matter where our characters are at, it was like I was there in person with them. The scenery is lush and just amazing. And John Barry’s score! His score is considered one of the best scores in recent memory. The love theme is something that you will not want out of your mind anytime soon.

Sadly, we need to talk about why the film does not meet expectations. First, the film is nearly three hours long and the pacing is excruciating glacial. Although, I believe that was intentional on Pollack’s part. The film is based off Blixen’s book and it was the same way. But that was a mistake because the film constantly simmers but never reaches a boil. The story and characters are paper thin. Kurt Luedtke’s screenplay could have spent more time developing the characters, especially Redford’s. The performance itself is good, but the character is rote and dry. Instead of turning the story into an “epic romance story,” they could have turned it into something that involves the Kenyan culture, in which Blixen’s book was about in the first place.

The film is based of Karen Blixen’s (Meryl Streep) time in Kenya. She marries a friend named Bror (Klaus Maria Brandauer) and they move to the African country where she takes over the role of Baroness. Bror himself is a nice enough man but has infidelity issues and is never home. She assumes control of the house but has had enough of her husband-especially after he gave her syphilis. She becomes friendly with this one man named Denys (Robert Redford), whom she met on her first day in Africa. He takes her on a safari, and she falls in love with him. Denys is his own individual person and is gone for months at a time to do his own thing. Is this a relationship that can be preserved?

For the most part, I did enjoy Out of Africa. Any movie with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford will definitely earn some points. They did well with the script that was given to them. I did like the old-fashioned feeling as it gave me shades of Lawrence of Arabia but with lesser quality. Despite the horribly slow pace, the lush, sweeping scenery gave our eyes a feast. Our ears were treated to a feast with Barry’s tremendous score. Despite all the talent involved, the film did deserve better. In my book, it is NOT the best film of 1985 as the Academy said. Solid movie to watch though, but patience will be needed.

My Grade: B-