In post war Europe, writer Pete Verrill (Jeff Fahey) joins director John Wilson (Clint Eastwood) to work on his next movie to be filmed in Africa. John wants to do a safari to hunt big game. Producer Paul Landers (George Dzundza) is concerned of many issues including the new technology of colored photography, locations, and money. While he deals with various people and issues surrounding the film, John is more interested in taking down a big tusker elephant with the help of local guide Kivu.
This is a thinly-veiled fictionalization of legendary director John Huston and his filming of 'The African Queen (1951)'. It's probably more meaningful for fans of the old classic. Clint delivers. The most compelling scene is probably him taking down the racist Mrs. MacGregor. The story can be meandering at times. The drama isn't that high since the film isn't threaten much. The elephant hunt has a poignant power and delivers a meaningful commentary on the character. Jeff Fahey is much less impressive. He takes up space without giving much in return. He is too reserved and too willing to be secondary. He needs to be a better foil for Eastwood.
This is a thinly-veiled fictionalization of legendary director John Huston and his filming of 'The African Queen (1951)'. It's probably more meaningful for fans of the old classic. Clint delivers. The most compelling scene is probably him taking down the racist Mrs. MacGregor. The story can be meandering at times. The drama isn't that high since the film isn't threaten much. The elephant hunt has a poignant power and delivers a meaningful commentary on the character. Jeff Fahey is much less impressive. He takes up space without giving much in return. He is too reserved and too willing to be secondary. He needs to be a better foil for Eastwood.