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The Sheltering SkyRating:
Release Date: 03 September, 2002 Retail Price: $19.98 OUR Price: $17.99 You SAVE: $1.99! Cast: Complete Cast (7 total) |
The Sheltering Sky Reviews
Erotic Propaganda
This film is one of the worst examples of psycho-sexual propaganda I have seen. The problem isn't that film cannot express literature in a satifactory way, but rather that the director has selected limited aspects of this novel with which to present the story in film. Not having read the novel, I cannot say for sure, but I suspect it is considerably more meaningful.
Taken on face value, I would have to say that this film is encouraging women to follow the path of the female protagonist and that this is the primary purpose of the film. It was intended for educated women, and specifically to coerce them into making very poor choices in their lives.
The cover of the DVD really says it all. The shelter I'm seeing in the image is the Bedouin's robes around the naked woman. Even the end scene, it's like an approval from a father figure, or absolution of some kind. And the most erotically charged part of the film is Kit's initiation as a sex slave. Loaded with symbolism.
Don't misunderstand me. I think people should be able to make any choices they like - without serving someone else's agenda. This film has an agenda, so is not art, but propaganda or worse.
The Sky Was Too High For This Film
Adaptation of Paul Bowles' novel directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. Not one of his best films in terms of screenplay or script but the film does redeem itself with impeccable cinematography and scene selection as well as the formidable talents of John Malkovich.
The film follows the faltering marriage of Port and Kit Moresby (Malkovich and Winger) who chose to go on an extended trip to North Africa for a romantic journey. Port is a composer whose inspiration is symmetric to the lulls of his marital life. As the characters voyage through the Sahara, their hopes of romantic reunion desintegrate into a journey of eroticism until each in turn disintegrate into moral oblivion and beyond.
The cinematography is impeccable but the screenplay, particularly the script, is unengaging and dull. One develops little sympathy for either character as each has no conscience or will to control their impulsive desires; seeing Winger enjoying her experience in being a Tuareg chieftain's sex slave is not really my cup of tea. It may make a good rental but I wouldn't buy it. If you liked Campion's 'The Piano', then you will probably enjoy this film as well.
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