Mountains of the Moon

Had Bob Rafelson's exquisitely filmed historical drama about the mid-19th century expeditions of Captain Richard Burton and Lt. John Speke into the heart of Africa to search for the source of the Nile featured "name" actors, it would have undoubtedly received much more attention and a wider release. Based on the biographical novel Burton and Speke by William Harrison, this lush epic follows the budding friendship between Burton (Patrick Bergin) and Speke (Iain Glen) which is forged on their initial foray into the African wilderness. Plagued by funding problems, recovering from sickness and terrible wounds, the pair once again sally forth after the failed first expedition only to be captured and held hostage by a hostile native tribe, before returning home with their limited success. In the aftermath of the second trip, human nature begins to work its occasionally wicked ways upon the hearts of the men, and a betrayal separates the good friends until a media circus brings them together again with tragic results. Excellent performances, gorgeous photography, and a grand epic sense infuse this dynamic period piece. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)