loading...
The Sheltering Sky
1990
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 |
loading...
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 | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 13 Apr 2009 Production year: 1990 |
| Format | DVD |
-
Critics' reviews (6)
View all -
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.
-
"...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..."
-
Most helpful member's review
View all -
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
-
Most recent members' review
View all -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
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. -
More like this
View allShowing 1 to 4 of 20
Related user collection
Films to see before you die (14)
80% from 2 members
Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop
-
-
-
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 ...
-