informed. The continent has always intrigued Westerners, and it has been a subject of interest in

popular culture for centuries. However intrigue has not always existed along side respect. And

often, appreciation has been replaced with exploitation. Through this exploitative contact, a

barrage of ignorant and sensationalized media depictions have reached the eyes and ears of most

of the western world. Popular forums of culture such as books, and magazines have always

fueled the interest in Africa, and an inherently false portrayal. But in the last century, no medium

of western culture has been more popular and responsible for this portrayal than that of film.

With its depiction of the white hero in the midst of dark peril amongst savages, film sends a clear

and Euro-centric message. And whether the audience-supported goal is conquest or escape, the

message is damaging and dangerous.

Films utilizing the mystique of Africa in their story telling have existed nearly as long as

the medium itself. From early silent films still depicting the British hero of 19th century novels, to

Some topics in this essay:
William Goldman, Ghost Darkness”, , Africans Europeans’, Val Kilmar’s, Colonel Patterson, Westerner Christian, Michael Douglas, Humphrey Bogart, East Africa, “the ghost, ghost darkness”, popular culture, “the ghost darkness”, africa outside looking, africa outside, steps task, british railroad, 19th century, character colonel, commitment africa, makings grand,