“Out of Africa” Sweeps the Oscars, Cementing Sydney Pollack’s Legacy
Forty years ago, on March 24, 1986, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Out of Africa, directed by Sydney Pollack, dominated the 58th Academy Awards, winning seven Oscars from eleven nominations. The film secured wins in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound, and Best Original Score. This triumph contrasted sharply with the evening’s other major contender, Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, which despite also receiving eleven nominations, did not win any awards.
Filmed on Location in Kenya
Out of Africa is based on the autobiography of Danish author Karen Blixen, and blends biographical elements with a romantic narrative. A significant aspect of the film’s production was its commitment to authenticity, with much of the filming taking place in Kenya, utilizing the original locations described in Blixen’s book. The production also involved descendants of the Kikuyu people mentioned in the book, including the grandson of Chief Kinyanjui, who portrayed his grandfather in the film.
Spectacular Shots and Real Wildlife
The film is renowned for its visually stunning cinematography, including a famous aerial scene achieved without the use of digital effects. Authentic wild animals were also featured prominently. While zebras and antelopes proved uncooperative, more challenging moments arose during a scene involving Meryl Streep and lions. Despite the presence of hidden trainers, Streep was struck by a lion’s tail, but maintained her composure to avoid disrupting the shot.
The Casting of Robert Redford
The film stars Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen and Robert Redford as Denys Finch Hatton. Director Sydney Pollack initially considered British actors to portray Finch Hatton, in keeping with the character’s nationality. Actors such as Jeremy Irons and Nigel Havers were evaluated, but Redford was ultimately chosen for his box office appeal and his perceived embodiment of a “free spirit” and adventurer, lending credibility to his connection with the African landscape. At Pollack’s request, Redford did not adopt an English accent, as the director feared it might distract audiences.
John Barry’s Award-Winning Soundtrack
The music of Out of Africa, composed by John Barry, played a crucial role in the film’s success. Barry composed and conducted the score, which incorporates both original pieces and existing works, including the second movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and traditional African motifs. The soundtrack earned Barry the Academy Award for Best Original Score and was ranked fifteenth on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest film scores.
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