Why Bob Rafelson’s 1990 epic remains his most cohesive work of cinematic storytelling
In short: Long in the making, Mountains of the Moon is a beautifully crafted adaptation of William Harrison’s mammoth novel. Directed by Bob Rafelson, this 1990 biographical film explores the intense 1857 expedition of British explorers Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke, capturing a complex rivalry that defined their historical journey to Africa.
The film depicts the 1857–1858 expedition of Sir Richard Burton, played by Patrick Bergin, and John Hanning Speke, portrayed by Iain Glen. Their mission to locate the source of the Nile River serves as the narrative backbone, moving from the explorers' initial partnership to a bitter, public fallout. The story culminates in a dramatic debate before the Royal Geographical Society, following a betrayal of their friendship when Speke claims to have discovered the river's source, an assertion Burton disputes.
Rafelson, who scripted the film alongside Harrison, infused the production with authentic detail, resulting in what critics often consider his most cohesive work. The film’s atmosphere is bolstered by a score from Michael Small, who blended traditional African music with an orchestral palette to underscore the themes of exploration and Burton’s relationship with his wife, Isabel. The production also features Delroy Lindo and Fiona Shaw, grounding the epic scale of the journey in intimate human performances.
Upon its release, the film received critical praise for its balance of sweep and intimacy. Critics like Roger Ebert noted its ability to spark curiosity about the life of Burton, while others compared the magnitude of the explorers' exploits favorably to other legendary historical epics. Despite its historical weight and artistic ambition, the film holds a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 18 reviews, reflecting its status as a significant, if debated, entry in Rafelson’s storied career as a director and producer.
Rafelson’s path to this film was unconventional. Before becoming a central figure in the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s, he worked as a disc jockey in Japan and a story editor for television. His transition from creating the popular series The Monkees to directing iconoclastic films like Five Easy Pieces established the creative independence that ultimately allowed him to pursue projects like Mountains of the Moon with such meticulous, long-term dedication.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Mountains of the Moon | film by Rafelson [1990] | Britannica
- Also: Mountains of the Moon (film)
- Also: Mountains of the Moon
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