An awfully big budget adventure film, an unusual choice you would have thought for Rafelson, who's memorably associated with lower budget Jack Nicholson films.
I didn't realise it's the same true story that William Boyd appropriated for his novel 'The Romantic' in which our hero gets involved in the crazy world of Burton and Speke as they journey to find the source of the Nile. It's based on their own personal accounts and written by William Harrison and the director. I didn't really recognise Patrick Bergin, who makes an energetic and charismatic Burton, nor Iain Glen as the more restrained Speke. Their growing friendship, loyalty but ultimate fallout makes the film.
Lots of recognisable people pop up including a young Fiona Shaw, Richard E Grant, John Savident, Peter Vaughan, James Villiers, Adrian Rawlins, Delroy Lindo, Bernard Hill, Roshan Seth, Anna Massey and Leslie Phillips. Paul Onsongo is the faithful expedition organiser. Couldn't work out who is the African king, who's rather good. And must mention One Foot in the Grave's Mrs Warboys, Doreen Mantle!
Fabulous on location work from Roger Deakins, who's also the camera operator (with Dick Pope shooting additional material). The sound designer gets an up front credit - there's a lot going on - production sound mixer Simon Kaye. Thom Nobel is the editor. Produced for Carolco.
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