1985 Out of Africa

There was one big winner at the Oscars in 1985, the year Spielberg went all out to bag one, and Back to the Future topped the charts. Out of Africa bagged 7 Oscars out of 11 nominations.

Directed by Sydney Pollack, it tells the semi-autobiographical romantic drama told in epic format of a woman spurned by her lover, agreeing to marry his brother before falling for another in the militia of colonists. The heart strings are given a serious plucking and the 161 minute running time tells you that this is not going to end well.

Robert Redford stars alongside Meryl Streep, who was considered by Pollack to not have enough sex appeal, before apparently turning up to audition in a low cut top and push-up bra. Streep is a very beautiful woman, but I would say is rightly more known for her excellent character skills. She is almost chameleon-like in any role she takes.

The movie won plaudits for its cinematography, the scenery is truly wonderful to look at; David Watkin correctly won many awards for his lensmanship. Another addition to this is the score, and John Barry, who was known more for composing the Bond movies, won an Oscar for his sweeping music that added beauty to an already gorgeous looking film.

However, it is a film that has not stood the test of time like movies such as Gone With the Wind. Shame, as this now has Sunday afternoon written all over it, and I could think of worse ways to spend a rainy afternoon than watching an engaging story, told with panache and style, in beautiful surroundings and with a gorgeous looking cast.

The movie proved a hit with the older audiences, making an astounding $227m from a budget of $28m.


 Get the original novel here -  out of africa