The physical elements of Africa that are prominent in the film are the landscapes. Pollack and cinematographer David Watkin use aerial shots and panning to show the depth and expanse of the African land. These images of lush, green jungles, dry, blue-skied deserts, and wild animals portray Africa as a vast, untouched place, (as one will still find in National Geographic). Karen Blixen's perception of Africa is exotic, allowing her to free herself from being a "mental traveler". The greatest image viewers have of Africa in the
movie is the scene when Meryl Streep's Karen is swept across Africa in an airplane with her lover Denys (Robert Redford). This scene emphasizes Africa as a place of wonder and mystery, the Africa Karen Blixen lived in.
Pollack's use of symbols throughout the film also lead viewers to understanding Karen Blixen's idea of Africa. One symbol is the compass Meryl Streep's Karen receives from Denys. The compass is a symbol of guidance and security, guiding Karen on her small ventures while also protecting her from the mysteries and dangerous terrain of Africa.
The dialogue in Out of Africa also serves as an image, impelling viewers into seeing the Africa depicted in the movie as Karen Blixen's Africa. Blixen refers to "my farm...my Kikuus...my Africa," subtle expressions that what we see on the screen is not a real picture of Africa, but the image Blixen has created in her memoir, in her mind.
These metaphorical and physical images of Africa ensure that Sydney Pollack was not trying to manipulate or exploit Africa, but to further illustrate Africa as a place that was once, and still is (1985) an alluring and boundless place.
I had a similar reaction to the film. Your overall analysis (and specifically concluding sentence) is very strong!
ReplyDeleteThe movie was unlike some other images of Africa we have analyzed in class--which have portrayed the continent to be an exotic, dark, mysterious place full of savages and inhumane "tribes". Instead, Out of Africa attempted to do justice to the varied, beautiful landscapes and the friendly, tolerant Africans who were so wrongly displaced from their home.
I think it was important that the story be told from Blixen's point of view--something you touched on in your post. By following her story the viewer is able to see her initial reactions (for example her first greeting with the chief--where it was clear she did not understand their culture at all), her transformation, and her final, more accurate view of Africa upon departure.
By seeing Africa from the baroness' point of view, and "embarking on the journey with her", the viewer's own misconceptions about Africa are challenged and corrected alongside Blixen's.
Very good point regarding "my farm..my Kikuus..my Africa." This view does in fact provide the general view Europeans had towards Africa once they settled in or colonized an area. That overbearing sense of ownership (of a land that had people, religion, and culture before the Europeans arrived) is definitely a dominant theme.
ReplyDeletevery good analysis. I like how you made a point of mentioning the history and root of why this film was made. You make a good effort to get inside Sydney Pollack and Karen Blixen's mind in order to find out what image he/she wanted people to receive from him/her. Very good structure for a movie review.
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