Lee Eisenberg
I had never heard of Norman Maclean or his memoir before watching Robert Redford's adaptation of "A River Runs Through It". I'm of two minds about it. On the one hand, there's a lot of great scenery - the cinematography even won an Oscar - as well as a focus on the protagonists' efforts to hang on to a way of life that's sure to slip away as the years pass; fly-fishing can't be an easy way of life these days. On the other hand, the family's emphasis on their religion came across as heavy-handed. One can understand why Paul (Brad Pitt) starts rebelling against that way of life, so it's a bit disappointing that Norman (Craig Sheffer) doesn't.To us in the 21st century - especially the city folk - it might be hard to relate to what the movie portrays. I also would've like to see the mom (Brenda Blethyn) developed more extensively as a character. Otherwise I thought that it was worth seeing, just like Pitt's other Montana-set historical movie (Legends of the Fall). I recommend it.
Raven-1969
"It is those we are closest to that elude us," said Norman Maclean "yet we can still love them completely." This touching, gorgeous and true story of love, loss, grace, nature, fly-fishing, laughter and art is about Norman's life in rural Montana nearly 100 years ago. The story revolves around three things that Montanans are never late for; church, work and fishing. Paul is Norman's fiercely independent, impulsive and confident younger brother. Norman and his family try to come to terms with Paul's simultaneous attraction and elusiveness. Since the film release 25 years ago I spent seven years in and around Montana. Each time I hiked through the abundant forests of the state I felt like the luckiest person in the world. This beautiful film captures the magic I felt. The film audience is immersed in the splendor and wonder of Montana's waterfalls, wily trout, sparkling sunlight, towering mountains and forests, and river sounds, currents and rhythms. There is great depth, richness and wonder to this true story. This applies to both the natural and human elements that, as Norman maintains, merge into one. "Stories of life are more like rivers than books," he says. Souls are restored and imagination is stirred in listening to the river. This is the best film Robert Redford has been a part of. Brad Pitt begins his rise to stardom here, and the other actors are just as good. Norman writes about Missoula and the Blackfoot River, yet the film was shot in and around Bozeman, a similar, nearby and equally beautiful setting.
G Thomas Boston
I have recently watched - inexplicably for the second time - Robert Redford's film, A River Runs Through It.This movie may not have won a mittful of awards, but it has been recommended by the International Society of Sleep Disorder Orderlies for its powerful sedative effects.Brad Pitt plays Paul, the ne'er-do-well brother of Norman, played by Craig Sheffer. Their father is a God-fearing-but-fish-tormenting preacher played by Tom Skerritt. The plot seems to be some sort of allegory. For those who do not know what an allegory is, I shall explain:When you have an adverse reaction to something - be it weeds, dust, pollen, pet dander, insect bites, or boring movies - then you are said to be suffering from an allegory. Treatment for such is a strong antihistamine which will likely knock you completely off your toes. Luckily, in the case of A River Runs Through It, the antihistamine is built right into the movie! You won't even notice your allegory!However, as any exalted reviewer would, I must criticize at least one intention of this film. Redford likely wants the viewer to hanker for a day of fly-fishing. Rather, I found that I might welcome spending some time with my ne'er-do-well brother watching paint dry.
edwagreen
Very good Robert Redford film dealing with a strict minister and his children. The latter grow up and the younger son, a reporter, has a lust for drinking and gambling which cause his ultimate downfall.Tom Skerritt is excellent as the stern minister dad. He comes to see nature as part of his religious training and emphasizes the sport of fly fishing to his young charges.Time periods seem to go very quickly in the film, such as the older boy attending Dartmouth.The usually feisty Brenda Blethyn has a rather benign part as the mother of the two boys. Besides her, I would have liked to have seen more of a character study of Jesse's brother, smitten with Hollywood and a drunk as well. Did he show homosexual tendencies?The nostalgic ending was terrific as we returned to nature to exhibit our values.
AD
