Meryl Streep Reflects on Iconic Scene with Robert Redford in 'Out of Africa'

Meryl Streep, the acclaimed actress known for her versatility and depth, recently shared a poignant reflection on her favorite love scene from her illustrious career. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Streep, 74, revealed that her most cherished romantic moment on screen was with Robert Redford in the 1985 film "Out of Africa."

In the film, Streep portrayed a Danish baroness who falls in love with a big game hunter, played by Redford, while managing a coffee plantation in colonial South Africa. The scene in question features Redford tenderly washing Streep's hair by a river, reciting lines from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Streep described the scene as "a sex scene in a way, because it’s so intimate," emphasizing the rarity of such tender moments in cinema.

However, the filming of this iconic scene was fraught with challenges. Streep recounted that the production team had warned her and Redford about the potential dangers posed by wild animals in the area. Despite assurances that the lions imported from California were tame, Streep noted that they were not as docile as expected. Additionally, the presence of hippopotamuses, known to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, added to the tension.

Initially, Redford's concern for their safety affected his performance, leading to a less-than-ideal hair-washing technique. It was only after Streep's longtime hair stylist, Roy Hellund, demonstrated the proper method that Redford was able to fully immerse himself in the scene. "By take five I was so in love!" Streep recalled, adding that she didn’t want the scene to end, despite the lurking hippos.

"Out of Africa," directed by Sydney Pollack and based on Karen Blixen’s 1937 autobiographical book, was a significant success. The film garnered 11 Academy Award nominations and won seven, including Best Picture and Best Director. Streep herself received a nomination for Best Actress for her role in the film.

Reflecting on her co-star, Streep praised Redford's charm and his unique ability to listen, a quality she found rare in men. "He has an unusual quality for a man — he has a very receptive way about him and is an incredibly good listener," she said. This attribute, she noted, made it easier for her to develop a crush on him, which in turn facilitated their on-screen chemistry.

The two actors reunited in 2007 for the war thriller "Lions for Lambs," which also starred Tom Cruise. Their professional relationship and mutual respect were evident, with Streep often speaking highly of Redford's demeanor and work ethic.

Streep's appearance at Cannes was marked by a two-minute standing ovation when she received an honorary Palme d’Or during the festival's opening ceremony. She expressed her gratitude for the warm reception, describing it as a "wave of feeling" from the audience. Despite her quiet life away from the limelight, Streep was moved by the recognition of her contributions to cinema.

In her conversation at Cannes, Streep also touched upon her unexpected success with blockbuster films like "Mamma Mia!" and "The Devil Wears Prada." She admitted that she never anticipated these movies to become major hits, viewing them merely as fun projects. "I didn’t know they were going to be big, but I knew that I could get them made," she said.

Streep's reflections offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of filmmaking, highlighting the delicate balance between art and reality. Her candidness about her experiences and her enduring passion for her craft continue to inspire audiences and fellow actors alike.