The Guest at Steenkampskraal (1977)

Genres - Drama  |   Sub-Genres - Biopic [feature], Docudrama  |   Run Time - 114 min.  |   Countries - South Africa  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson

The Guest at Steenkampkraal is based on the controversial writings of South African playwright/activist Athol Fugard. Cast in the lead role is Fugard himself, playing a scientist in the field of evolutionary studies. Unfortunately, Fugard's blind-sided devotion to his work leads him to morphine addiction (art imitates life, and vice versa: Fugard's real-life substance abuse has been well-documented elsewhere). The scientist's drug habit has a profound effect upon the family with which he is staying. The Guest at Steenkampskraal doesn't waste much time on psychological motivation: the central situation is set and dealt with in one-two-three fashion.

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Keywords

addiction, anxiety, doctor/nurse, drugs, employment, exploration, friendship, guest, habit [custom], home, hunger [food], intelligence [knowledge], life, native, naturalist, overcome, pain, poet, problems, release, room, scream, strength, struggle, talent, understanding, visit, withdrawal, writing