The Sheltering Sky 1990
by
Bernardo Bertolucci
"We are not tourists here. We're travelers." The difference lay in the intent as far as return was concerned. If they so liked it in North Africa, the American couple, played by John Malkovich and Debra Winger, intended to stay for an year or two, whereas their friend had planned on going back after a couple of weeks.
The couple is traveling across Algeria and neighbourhood in a bid to rekindle fire in their relationship, and spend some time exploring each other. The husband is a writer who seeks inspiration from life. The wife is committed but does need an outlet as well. The friend sees and opening and wants to get into her bed. This could well have been a classic manage a trois, but Africa plays its games.
The couple went through many ordeals. The wife falls into the trap of local brutes, who exploit her in many ways. The film tries to soften up the impact of cross-cultural interactions which might be considered racist descriptions by the author of the novel (Paul Bowles).
The film has a lot of sexual energy, exhibited by both John and Debra. Beautiful cinematography keeps the audience hooked. The film does not work as a whole, but only in parts. But BB, JM and DW are good enough for one watch.
#johnmalkovich #debrawinger #theshelteringsky #bernardobertolucci #paulbowles
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