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The Sheltering Sky Details

1990 DVD Certificate 18.gif
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 1278 members

Bernardo Bertolucci (THE CONFORMIST, THE LAST EMPEROR) directs this tale concerningf three Americans who find more than they bargained for as they travel through post-war Africa: an adaptation of Paul Bowles's novel. Kit (Debra Winger) and Port (John Malkovich) are a married couple separated by a strange schism; they try to .. Read more

Starring Debra Winger, John Malkovich, Campbell Scott, Jill Bennett
Director Bernardo Bertolucci
Genres Drama

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The Sheltering Sky

Bernardo Bertolucci (THE CONFORMIST, THE LAST EMPEROR) directs this tale concerningf three Americans who find more than they bargained for as they travel through post-war Africa: an adaptation of Paul Bowles's novel. Kit (Debra Winger) and Port (John Malkovich) are a married couple separated by a strange schism; they try to escape their alienation by moving deeper and deeper into the unfamiliar. Port is mesmerised, but it is Kit who must ultimately find the strength to survive in a world so unknown as to be dreamlike.

Starring Debra Winger, John Malkovich, Campbell Scott, Jill Bennett, Timothy Spall, Eric Vu-An
Director Bernardo Bertolucci
Studio Optimum Home Entertainment
Run time DVD: 2 hrs 12 mins
Certificate DVD Certificate 18.gif
Genres Drama
Language English
Released DVD: 13 Apr 2009
Production year: 1990
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (6) of The Sheltering Sky

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    Following the international success of The Last Emperor, Bernardo Bertolucci produced this immensely ambitious film of Paul Bowles's strange, mystical, metaphysical novel. The tale is about an American married couple (John Malkovich and Debra Winger) and a friend (Campbell Scott) touring North Africa in 1947 in search of the mystery that is the desert (shades of Lawrence of Arabia!). Filmed in arduous conditions in Algeria and Niger, the movie tries to be bookish and introspective yet full of vast landscapes. Despite the obvious commitment of Winger, who gives an intensely physical performance, it remains a rather soulless and aloof experience.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • "...John Malkovich and Debra Winger are superb....And from the film's first moments there is a sense of place both terrifyingly vast and stifling..."

    • Los Angeles Times
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • Most helpful member's review of The Sheltering Sky

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  • 8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Stunning Cinematography

    Bertolucci's film is a stunning portrail of post-war Morocco. The landscape photography is exceptional and the locations are carefully chosen. The plot is a travelogue cataloguing the disintegrating marriage of the characters played by Winger (with '80s hair!) and Malkovich (usual role). The end section is deliberately enigmatic, but overlong, and the conclusion is ambiguous. Nevertheless, an entertaining film which brings Moroccan culture to life.

      • Martin from Lincolnshire
      • Posted 26 Aug 2004 08:13

  • Most recent members' review of The Sheltering Sky

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  • 5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Thought Provoking

    Visited Tangiers after the film. Loved the Film, didn't like Tangiers, but back to the point.

    Somewhat dated now, and reminiscent (or should it be preminiscent) of the the Talented Mr Ripley. But still wonderful performance from Malcovich as ever. The photography is stunning.

    Don't watch it just before a trip to foreign climes, though.

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Rating breakdown

1,278 Member ratings
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97
  • 90
82
  • 80
162
  • 70
175
  • 60
239
  • 50
155
  • 40
132
  • 30
98
  • 20
95
  • 10
43

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    • The Sheltering Sky

    • The Sheltering Sky
      Bernardo Bertolucci (THE CONFORMIST, THE LAST EMPEROR) directs this tale concerningf three Americans who find more than they bargained for as they travel through post-war Africa: an adaptation of Paul Bowles's novel. Kit (Debra Winger) and Port (John Malkovich) are a married couple separated by a ...