The Sheltering Sky

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Regina M @ReginaM2 Oct 11, 2026 It’s fascinating to read so many negative comments about a film I consider one of my all-time favorites. Even Paul Bowles criticized Bertolucci’s deeply personal interpretation of his novel, particularly his portrayal of Jane. Yet I believe Bertolucci captured something beyond the story: the haunting solitude of the Sahara, the emotional intensity of its characters, and echoes of Bowles’s life in Tangier. Having spent decades living in the Arab world and wandering through its deserts, I feel a profound connection to these landscapes. Tangier, too, has always held a special place in my heart. Perhaps appreciating The Sheltering Sky requires surrendering to its extraordinary performances, Ryuichi Sakamoto’s mesmerizing score, and the silence of a desert that confronts us with our own existence. Years later, this film still moves me deeply. Some films are simply watched; others become part of us. For me, The Sheltering Sky will always be one of those. See more Dec 21, 2021 A master work based on a master work. A film that will find its true audience probably years from now... See more Mar 7, 2021 Over the years I've found many of Bertolucci's features uneven. He's simultaneously capable of creating meaningful films such as The Conformist (1970), along with the dreadfully tedious Last Tango in Paris (1972). Since the release of The Sheltering Sky, Bowles has subsequently disowned the adaptation, saying "it should never have been filmed. The ending is idiotic and the rest is pretty bad". Unfortunately, I have to agree. The weakness consists of the excessive length and incredibly slow pace. As Port says in one scene "God! What a bore". Admittedly, the luscious landscapes make some beautiful visuals. However, due to the drawn-out narrative and uneven performances, The Sheltering Sky unravels as Last Tango in Tangier. See more Aug 29, 2020 Stunning cinematography & music from Ryuichi Sakamoto. See more Mar 21, 2020 This long film starts off slow and then gets much slower. About halfway through, it gives up on story-telling almost altogether, and turns into mostly just a beautiful travelogue. Memorable mainly for its cinematography and its score. See more Jan 26, 2020 Spending time with Debra Winger is a complete delight. One of the greatest actors of our time. See more Read all reviews

The Sheltering Sky

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