Question 1

Why is the film's setting in North Africa notable despite its fictional locations?

Accepted Answer

Most settings are in present-day Algeria, but filming occurred in Erfoud, Niger; Tangier, Morocco; Ouarzazate; and Tamnougalt.

Question 2

Who narrates The Sheltering Sky, and what unique role does this person play in the film?

Accepted Answer

Paul Bowles, the source novelist, narrates the film and appears uncredited as a man at a café, watching his characters.

Question 3

What tragic event occurred shortly after filming ended for one of the actresses?

Accepted Answer

British actress Jill Bennett, who played Mrs Lyle, committed suicide shortly after filming ended.

Question 4

How did the novel's author, Paul Bowles, feel about the film adaptation of his work?

Accepted Answer

Paul Bowles said, 'It should never have been filmed. The ending is idiotic and the rest is pretty bad.'

Question 5

Which awards or festivals recognized The Sheltering Sky in 1990 and 1991?

Accepted Answer

It was recognized at the BAFTA Awards and Golden Globes in 1991, and Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and New York Film Critics Circle Awards in 1990.

Question 6

What surprising cameo does the film's source novelist make?

Accepted Answer

Paul Bowles, the novel's author, appears uncredited as a man at a café watching his characters, and also narrates the film.

Question 7

Which real-life locations were used to portray the North African setting?

Accepted Answer

Though set in present-day Algeria, the film was actually shot in Erfoud, Niger; Tangier, Morocco; Ouarzazate; and Tamnougalt.

Question 8

What was Paul Bowles' harsh criticism of the film adaptation of his novel?

Accepted Answer

Bowles said, 'It should never have been filmed. The ending is idiotic and the rest is pretty bad.'

Question 9

Which festivals and awards recognized The Sheltering Sky?

Accepted Answer

The film was recognized at the BAFTA Awards (1991), Golden Globes (1991), Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards (1990), and New York Film Critics Circle Awards (1990).

Question 10

What tragic event occurred shortly after filming ended?

Accepted Answer

British actress Jill Bennett, who played Mrs Lyle, committed suicide shortly after filming ended.

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The Sheltering Sky

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