Out of Africa

Out of Africa

Year: 1985

Runtime: 161 min

Language: English

Director: Sydney Pollack

BiographyDramaRomance

A captivating story follows Karen Blixen as she leaves her life in Denmark to establish a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya. There, she experiences the beauty and challenges of the African landscape and finds herself drawn into a complex relationship with hunter Denys. Torn between her marriage and a passionate but unattainable love, Karen grapples with questions of identity, independence, and the allure of a life far removed from her privileged past.

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Timeline – Out of Africa (1985)

Trace every key event in Out of Africa (1985) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival in Africa

In 1913, Karen Blixen arrives in British East Africa as a wealthy Dane and is on the verge of marrying a prominent Swedish noble. This marks the beginning of her journey in a foreign land, full of hopeful expectations and dreams.

1913 Nairobi, British East Africa
2

Engagement and Marriage

After her fiancé abruptly abandons her, Karen proposes to his brother, Baron Bror Blixen. They enter a marriage of convenience intended to focus on establishing a dairy ranch together in Nairobi, with Karen providing the financial backing.

3

The Encounter with Denys

While on her journey to Nairobi, Karen's train is interrupted by the big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton, who shares his connection to Bror and hands her a significant ivory haul. This meeting foreshadows the complex relationships that will unfold in her new life.

Train to Nairobi
4

Settling In

Upon reaching Nairobi, Karen is greeted by the Somali headman Farah and begins to navigate her new surroundings. She encounters challenges at the elite Muthaiga Club, struggling to find her place in a men-dominated society.

Muthaiga Club, Nairobi
5

Frustration with Bror

Karen soon discovers that Bror has diverted their plans from dairy farming to less rewarding coffee crops. Feeling neglected and frustrated, she takes charge of their farm, managing it alone while dealing with her husband's disregard.

Dairy Ranch, Nairobi
6

Engagement with Local Culture

As she immerses herself in the local culture, Karen helps Kikuyu squatters by establishing schools and tending to their needs. She strives to balance her European roots with the realities of colonial life in Africa.

7

Friendship with Felicity

Karen forms a deep friendship with Felicity, inspired by Beryl Markham. Their bond grows as they navigate the complexities of their lives, but Karen's marriage continues to falter due to Bror's infidelities.

8

World War I Efforts

With the onset of World War I, Karen joins her fellow colonists in forming a militia. She takes on the responsibility of gathering supplies for the soldiers, displaying her resilience and commitment to the community.

9

Health Crisis

After contracting syphilis from Bror, Karen is forced to return to Denmark for treatment. This health crisis strains her already troubled marriage as Bror continues to pursue his interests in Africa.

Denmark
10

The Emotional Drift

During a New Year’s celebration, Karen shares a moment with Denys that marks her emotional shift away from Bror. Their relationship evolves as Denys brings adventure into Karen's life but complicates her feelings further.

11

Denys and Flying

Denys introduces Karen to the thrill of flight in his Gipsy Moth biplane, creating exhilarating moments in her life. As Bror’s plans to remarry emerge, Karen's desire for commitment is put to the test.

12

The Breakup

Tensions rise when Denys contemplates a private safari with Felicity, leading to a painful confrontation with Karen. Denys ultimately decides to leave, unable to reconcile his free spirit with Karen's longing for stability.

13

The Farm in Ruins

After their split, Karen's farm falls into disrepair and is devastated by fire. As she prepares to return to Denmark, she holds a rummage sale to say goodbye to her belongings and the land she loved.

14

Denys' Tragic Fate

Denys's scouting trip in his biplane ends in tragedy when he crashes in Tsavo. Karen receives the heart-wrenching news from Bror, and she is left to mourn the loss of the man who brought adventure into her life.

Tsavo
15

Farewell to Africa

As she plans to leave Africa, Karen is honored by her peers at the Muthaiga Club amidst her grief for Denys. Entrusting Farah with Denys' compass and hoping to always remember him, Karen departs, forever changed by her experiences.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:47

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Out of Africa Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Out of Africa

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