Out Of Africa

Director Sydney Pollack's iconic 1985 film, Out of Africa, is now 25 years old. I just watched it and found it still fresh, and splendid, and I'm left wondering when Hollywood ceased making films like this; It stands the test of time, and in its scope, seems almost European. The costumes (costume designer Milena Canonero) and sets (the late set decorator Josie MacAvin) are stunning, and the film is filled with beauty. For Pollack, the crux of the movie is about possessiveness, in terms of the romantic relationship between the lead characters Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton (Meryl Streep and Robert Redford) and of course the larger backdrop, European colonialism in Africa. So belongings - crystal, china, furniture - are strong compoments in the story. As Streep's character evolves and learns more about Kenya, African pieces make subtle appearences in her house and wardrobe.