Karen Blixen

A look at the life of esteemed Danish writer Karen Blixen.

Karen Blixen – Behind Her Mask

This is the story of the incredible life of Karen Blixen/ Isak Dinesen − a story just as dramatic as her own fantastic tales. It is a story about a formidable and extraordinary woman, a vain eccentric, and a very sensitive human being, whose life was characterized by great ups and downs. The documentary takes the viewer on a journey through the author's life as described by many of those who were close to her. A journey that not only documents her extraordinary life, her extensive travels and the people she encountered-but one which also depicts the era in which she lived. A time of adventure, eccentric aristocrats, and of unending possibility and immeasurable hardship. Introduced by actress Meryl Streep, Karen Blixen−Out of this World tells the real story behind the inspiration for the Academy Award winning film, Out of Africa.

An impressively done new documentary taking a look back at the making of this picture. Interviews with everyone from director Pollack to composer John Barry take us through the memories of the making of the picture. In between interview segments are looks and thoughts on and at the history of the story and Africa itself. Especially entertaining is when Streep and Pollack talk about working with the animals.