Beautifully shot in the Montana wilderness, director Robert Redford tells the story of two brothers growing
up in a smaller town under the guidance of their authoritarian minister father (Tom Skerritt) in "A River
Runs Through It". Sharing their love of fly fishing, which is used as a poetic theme throughout the film,
we witness the maturing of Norman (Craig Sheffer) and his younger, more reckless brother Paul (Brad Pitt).
With Norman eventually leaving home and studying to become a professor, while Paul chooses to remain in the
town where they grew up, becoming a writer for the local newspaper.
After his schooling is complete, Norman returns home and quickly notices the rather damaging lifestyle that Paul
is leading. Through mounting gambling debts and heavy alcohol consumption, there is little Norman can do to
change the ways of his younger brother, leading him on a collision course with his own fate. Redford manages
to capture your interest with this inspirational adaptation of Norman Maclean's classic memoir coupled with
solid performances and a gorgeous natural backdrop.
"A River Runs Through It" is a terrific slice of Americana that easily becomes an instant classic.
|
