"Can you tell a story?" "I happen to be very good at stories."

[deirdre_c]

For those of you who never have seen it, do not wait ONE MORE SECOND to go get Out Of Africa.

We're watching it for probably the tenth time (it's one of husband's favorite movies). Every single moment is freaking perfection.

Seriously, one of the most subtle, striking, beautifully-filmed films ever made.

Plus, Robert Redford. Daaaamn.

Comments

[ileliberte]

I LOVE this movie. Story, characters, everything. Also, I harbor true and complete adoration for Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford on my screen makes everything a little more beautiful. Recommendation heartily seconded.

[deirdre_c]

Yes! Streep can communicate about 30 different emotions without saying a word. And Pollock just settles the camera on her and waits. *happy sigh*

[audrarose]

"We're fresh out of coffee; can I offer you tea?"

I LOVE that movie. The part where she falls to her knees before the new governor to ask for land for the kikuyu?? and the governor's wife says, "I'm sorry I won't know you?" Oh. LOVE.

[deirdre_c]

Yes! Such exquisite small moments.

"I want to hear you say my name." "You are Karen, msabu."

My heart. *tears*

[missyjack]

"I had a farrrmm in Arfica. I got the clap in Africa..."

[deirdre_c]

I can see how that would be the highlight of the film for you, U H0R. :D:D:D

[tabaqui]

Really?
I have read the book about....twenty times and utterly loathed the movie. Yes, it's very pretty, and Meryl is *amazing*, but...

Loathed.

[deirdre_c]

Ah. I actually studied at the University of Copenhagen during undergrad and visited Karen Blixen's house in Rungstedlund, but oddly enough, never read her work. Clearly from your recommendation, I need to go check it out!

From the point of view of a lover of the book, how did the movie disappoint (heh, to say the least)?

[tabaqui]

To me, they disappointed in that the almost sole focus of the movie was her relationship with Denys Finch-Hatton. Although i totally acknowledge that she had such a relationship, it was *not* talked about in the book. It was a personal and private thing. She didn't talk about her marriage in the book, either.

It was mostly focused on her life in Africa on her farm, the people she knew, both European and Native, and all the little triumphs and disappointments she had. I just...i was so excited when the movie came out, so many amazing or interesting things and then i watched it and it was gorgeous and fairly wonderful in it's own right, but it was *nothing* like the book and i was just very...sad.

The movie doesn't *suck*, in and of itself. It's a lovely movie. It's just nothing whatsoever like the book and i'd like to see something more like the book which i adore passionately.

[janissa11]

One of the best films, ever, hands down. I saw it three times when it came out. First time, amazed. Second time, choked up. Third time? Woman, I bawled for -- we kept track of it -- 45 freaking minutes straight.

I realize that, for one thing, Denis Finch-Hatton wasn't American. *grin* But Redford was perfect, and Meryl Streep -- what else needs be said?

Man, now I'd like to watch it tonight.

[deirdre_c]

It's so true! Every time I watch it, I cry. Weep, actually.

Crying that hard always gives me a bit of a headache, but, man, that's some good catharsis.