The Sheltering Sky Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich couple travels to Africa to have marital problems in a more scenic location.

🍿 The Sheltering Sky: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in North Africa

Port and Kit Moresby, an American couple, arrive in North Africa after World War II, seeking to revitalize their strained marriage. Accompanied by their friend Tunner, they hope to find new meaning and inspiration in the exotic landscape. However, the journey begins to expose the deep-seated issues within their relationship.

Erosion of the Relationship

As the trio ventures deeper into the Sahara, the distance between Port and Kit grows. Port seeks solace in encounters with local women, while Kit finds herself drawn to Tunner. The cultural immersion highlights their emotional detachment and the fragility of their connection.

Separation and Isolation

Tunner eventually departs, leaving Port and Kit to confront their relationship alone in the vast desert. Their journey becomes increasingly perilous, mirroring their descent into despair and isolation. The harsh environment tests their physical and emotional limits.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kit Moresby (Debra Winger): A disillusioned American traveler seeking to revitalize her marriage in post-war North Africa, only to find herself increasingly lost and isolated.
• Port Moresby (John Malkovich): An intellectual and detached American artist whose quest for experience in Africa exacerbates his failing marriage and leads to his demise.
• Tunner (Campbell Scott): A friend accompanying Port and Kit on their travels, whose presence adds tension and complicates their already fragile relationship.
• Mrs Lyle (Jill Bennett): An overbearing and unpleasant British tourist whose presence offers a stark contrast to the Moresbys’ perceived sophistication.
• Eric Lyle (Timothy Spall): Mrs. Lyle’s awkward and subservient son, who provides an example of dependent relationship contrasting Port and Kit’s.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator: “Because we don’t know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number, really.” – The opening and closing narration, setting the tone and reflecting on the preciousness of life and moments.
• Port: “An event is never the same thing twice.” – Reflects his desire for new experiences and rejection of routine or repetition.
• Kit: “We’re not tourists. We’re travelers.” – Highlights their intention to immerse themselves in the culture, unlike typical tourists.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,075,084
• Worldwide Gross: $2,075,084

💥 The Sheltering Sky Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched this film when I was in college, and it really stuck with me. The visuals are incredible – the desert landscapes feel so real and isolating. I was mesmerized by the ending. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s definitely a thought-provoking experience that I found incredibly powerful. I think that if you like slow-burn character studies you should watch this.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of art-house films”
  • “Viewers interested in post-war travel dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate stunning cinematography”
  • “Individuals interested in existential themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A visually stunning film, Bertolucci captures the vastness and isolation of the desert, but the narrative meanders, leaving the emotional core somewhat adrift.
• Consequence: “The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the stark beauty of North Africa. However, the film’s slow pace and lack of clear plot development may frustrate viewers seeking a more engaging story.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography is breathtaking.: Most viewers praise the film’s stunning visuals and evocative atmosphere.

The film is emotionally challenging.: Many find the film thought-provoking but also slow-paced and sometimes difficult to engage with.

Overall Consensus: Visually impressive but narratively slow and emotionally challenging, ‘The Sheltering Sky’ divides audiences with its artistic approach.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Original Score – Motion Picture)- 1991

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1949 novel of the same name by Paul Bowles, who also appears in the film as a narrator.”
• “Director Bernardo Bertolucci consulted with Paul Bowles throughout the filmmaking process, respecting the author’s vision.”
• “The movie was filmed on location in various parts of Morocco, capturing the beauty and harshness of the Sahara Desert.”
• “Ryuichi Sakamoto’s score is highly regarded for its atmospheric and evocative qualities.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Sheltering Sky?

The Sheltering Sky is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Sheltering Sky, you might like these similar films:

• The English Patient (1996): Both films explore themes of love, loss, and identity against the backdrop of North Africa during and after World War II.
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962): Shares the epic scale and stunning cinematography of desert landscapes, focusing on Western characters grappling with foreign cultures.
• Apocalypse Now (1979): Both movies depict a journey into the unknown, where characters confront psychological and moral challenges.
• Tracks (2013): A more modern film about a woman’s solo journey across the Australian desert, capturing the isolation and self-discovery of such a trip.

🛒 The Sheltering Sky Related Products

• The Sheltering Sky (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A meticulously restored edition of Bertolucci’s masterpiece, featuring bonus content like interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Enhance your cinematic experience.
• The Sheltering Sky (Novel) by Paul Bowles: Explore the original novel that inspired the film. Dive deeper into the characters and themes only hinted at on screen. Get an immediate download and start reading today.
• Desert Landscape Tapestry: Bring the beauty of the Sahara into your home with this tapestry. Features high-quality print and durable fabric. Perfect for adding a touch of exotic charm to any room.
• Berber Style Throw Blanket: Wrap yourself in comfort and style with this blanket. Inspired by the textures and patterns of the Berber culture. Perfect for cozy nights in.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Sheltering Sky features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Goulov Limma” – performed by Chaba Zahouania
• “Opus” – performed by Ryuichi Sakamoto

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Absurdism | How to Party at the End of Meaning ☄️

Ever wondered about the meaning of life after watching ‘The Sheltering Sky’? This video dives into absurdism, a philosophy that perfectly captures the movie’s unsettling atmosphere. It’s a bit mind-bending, but definitely worth the watch!

Ryuichi Sakamoto – The Sheltering sky (Il tè nel deserto colonna sonora)

Want to relive the beautiful yet melancholic atmosphere of ‘The Sheltering Sky’? Check out this stunning piano cover of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s theme – it’s so moving, you might just shed a tear (in a good way)!

Chaba Zahouania from ‘The Sheltering Sky’ soundtrack

Remember that haunting song from ‘The Sheltering Sky’ that perfectly captured the North African setting? This video features Chaba Zahouania’s ‘Goulou Limma,’ a total vibe! Give it a listen and be transported back to the desert.

✨ Rate