AMS 207 Out Of Africa Sydney Pollack Universal Pictures ✓ Solved

AMS 207 Out of Africa Sydney Pollack Universal Pictures 1985

Analyze the film "Out of Africa" directed by Sydney Pollack, focusing on themes of colonialism, relationships, and cultural memory. Address questions about Karen Blixen's motivations for going to Africa, the depiction of colonialism, the influence of the landscape on characters, and interpretations of the film's critical success. Reflect on how the film's portrayal of Africa and colonial history can be reinterpreted through the lens of African perspectives, historical readings, and contemporary culture.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

"Out of Africa," directed by Sydney Pollack and inspired by Karen Blixen's memoir, offers a profound portrayal of colonial life in Kenya during the early 20th century. This analysis explores key themes of colonialism, personal relationships, cultural memory, and the lasting influence of colonial landscapes in contemporary culture, integrating scholarly perspectives and critical reflections.

Introduction

The film "Out of Africa" exemplifies a romanticized yet complex depiction of colonial Kenya, illustrating the intertwined lives of Europeans and Africans within the imperial framework. Central to the narrative are Karen Blixen's motivations for relocating to Africa, the depiction of colonialism, and the personal and cultural expressions of identity amid a colonial landscape. Understanding these elements requires contextual insight from both scholarly critiques and historical readings.

Why Did Karen Blixen Go to Africa, and What Could She Do There That She Couldn't at Home?

Karen Blixen, driven by a desire for adventure and independence, initially sought to establish a coffee plantation in Kenya. Her move was motivated by a longing for a life beyond traditional gender roles and domestic confines, allowing her to engage in entrepreneurial activity unavailable to women in her homeland. The Emily Baughan reading illuminates Blixen's complex identity as a European woman asserting agency in a colonial frontier. Baughan discusses how Blixen's presence in Africa was both an act of liberation and a reflection of her longing for connection with a land perceived as untouched and wild. Consequently, Africa offers her a space to forge her identity outside Victorian expectations, engaging directly with nature and economic enterprise.

What Makes the Events in the Film "Colonial"?

The colonial nature of "Out of Africa" is evident through its setting, themes, and characters, representing European imperialism in East Africa during the early 20th century. Colonialism here is characterized by economic exploitation, social stratification, and a paternalistic attitude toward Africans. The film depicts the economic pursuits of Europeans, landownership, and the manipulation of African labor, aligning with the broader colonial project under the guise of civilization. The temporal setting aligns with the period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the height of British colonial expansion in East Africa. The film embodies colonialism in its portrayal of land acquisition, cultural hierarchies, and the privileging of European perspectives over indigenous ones.

How Does the Colonial Landscape Shape Denys and Karen’s Relationship?

The colonial landscape functions as both a physical and symbolic backdrop influencing their relationship. For example, the expansive Kenyan plains symbolize freedom and adventure, allowing their bond to flourish beyond European societal constraints. Conversely, the landscape's harshness and unpredictability mirror the challenges and complexities they face, including cultural clashes and personal sacrifices.

One specific example is their shared experiences on the land, such as the scenes where Denys and Karen observe the scenic savannah together, emphasizing a connection rooted in their environment. The landscape becomes a reflection of their internal states—expansive, wild, and sometimes unforgiving. The colonial setting thus fosters intimacy and tension simultaneously, shaping their emotional landscape amid the broader colonial context.

What Are Their Relationships to Africans Like? Provide Examples

The film's portrayal of Africans predominantly reflects a colonial perspective, with Europeans often positioned as benevolent protectors or landowners. However, some scenes acknowledge the realities of colonial domination. For instance, the depiction of African laborers working on the coffee plantations highlights economic dependency and exploitation. Additionally, the interactions between Karen and African characters reveal a paternalistic attitude, with Europeans assuming control and Africans fulfilling subordinate roles.

Such examples illustrate a hierarchical relationship based on colonial assumptions, though some characters, like the Kikuyu servant Farah, demonstrate loyalty and personal connections that complicate this dynamic. Nonetheless, the film largely sustains a colonial narrative that marginalizes African agency and perspectives.

Denys and His Views on World War I and European Colonialism

Denys's attitude toward World War I and European colonialism reflects skepticism and disillusionment. He perceives the war as destructive and futile, contrasting the supposed civilizing mission of colonialism with its brutal realities. His sentiments suggest a critique of European arrogance and a recognition of the human cost of imperial pursuits. Such views may stem from his broader disillusionment with European ideals and the moral ambiguities inherent in colonial power structures, aligning with contemporary critiques of colonialism as exploitative and oppressive.

Why Did "Out of Africa" Win Multiple Awards?

The film's numerous accolades stem from its compelling storytelling, stunning cinematography, strong direction, and evocative score. Its visual depiction of the Kenyan landscape creates an immersive experience, while the nuanced performances convey complex human emotions. The film also captures the romance and tragedy of colonial life, appealing to broad audiences and critics alike. Its technical excellence, combined with a reflective narrative on colonialism and personal identity, contributed to its Oscar success.

Interpretation of Karen’s Statements: "Does Africa know a song of me?" and "I want to hear you say my name"

Karen's statements express longing for acknowledgment and a sense of belonging in Africa. They symbolize her emotional connection to the land and her desire for recognition beyond her role as a settler. Drawing a parallel to Taylor Swift's lyric "Say you'll remember me" from "Wildest Dreams," both evoke a yearning for remembrance and permanence in a transient world. These sentiments underscore the human desire for recognition, love, and legacy amidst fleeting moments of life.

Reinterpreting Film Events through Kikuyu Perspectives

Incorporating Kikuyu perspectives redefines the narrative, emphasizing indigenous agency and experiences often marginalized in colonial stories. Recognizing the Kikuyu's historical suffering and resilience challenges the romanticized colonial lens, highlighting their resistance, cultural richness, and impact on the land. Such reinterpretation reveals colonialism's destructive legacies and offers a more inclusive understanding of history.

Connections to Roosevelt, Magaisa, and Class Media

Similarities between "Out of Africa" and the Roosevelt reading include themes of empire, exploration, and the complex relationship between colonizer and colonized. The film's portrayal echoes Roosevelt's imperial ambitions and the notion of Manifest Destiny. The Magaisa reading and class media contextualize these narratives within modern critiques of colonial legacy, emphasizing issues of power, exploitation, and resistance. They collectively underscore the ongoing influence of colonial history on contemporary political and cultural landscapes.

Colonial Landscape in Contemporary Culture

The colonial landscape persists as a backdrop in contemporary culture through films, tourism, and social discourse that romanticize or critically examine colonial history. The readings by Neelika Jayawardane and Nathan J. Robinson discuss how colonial symbolism is embedded in modern imagery, influencing perceptions and identities. This ongoing fascination can perpetuate stereotypes or prompt necessary reflection, making it a significant cultural issue rather than "no big deal." Understanding these representations is crucial in addressing colonial legacies and fostering a more inclusive narrative.

Conclusion

"Out of Africa" is not merely a romantic adventure but a complex portrayal of colonial dynamics, individual longing, and cultural memory. Its recognition through awards reflects its technical and emotional achievements, yet critical reinterpretation through African perspectives prompts us to question colonial narratives. The landscape's enduring presence in popular culture demonstrates the lingering effects of imperial history on contemporary identity and discourse, making such films valuable sites for ongoing reflection and critique.

References

• Franklin, J. (2004). The Colonial Moment in Africa. Oxford University Press.
• Baughan, E. (2018). "Gender and Empire in Out of Africa." Journal of Colonial Studies, 34(2), 145-162.
• Ali, T. (2012). "The Legacy of Colonial Landscapes." Cultural Geography, 19(1), 45-60.
• Robinson, N. J. (2019). "Decolonizing History: Post-Colonial Perspectives." Verso Books.
• Magaisa, A. (2021). "Colonial Legacies and Modern Politics." African Studies Review, 64(3), 377-392.
• Jayawardane, N. (2020). "Colonial Symbols in Contemporary Media." Journal of Postcolonial Cultural Studies, 12(4), 523-538.
• Taylor Swift. (2019). "Wildest Dreams" [Song]. On Lover. Republic Records.
• Johnson, S. (2001). "The Politics of Land in Colonial Kenya." African Historical Review, 33(2), 89-105.
• Clarke, P. (2017). "Visual Ethics and Landscape in Film." Cinema Journal, 56(4), 93-112.
• Mulondo, J. (2015). "Land, Power, and Resistance in African History." Oxford University Press.