About 25 years ago when discussing A River Runs Through It with some people, they were astounded that not only had I seen it, but that I liked it as well. It seemed impossible that I might enjoy a movie without car crashes and gunfights and explosions and anything that might be the least bit cerebral. That has always left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth that someone thinks that I might only like a certain kind of movie. It’s why I try to be careful not to judge other people on what they like or don’t like. The fact is, there’s a lot about me that people don’t know and I prefer to keep it that way.
So, back to the movie. When the movie first came out it didn’t hype Brad Pitt in the way the current movie poster and other marketing does. In fact, Craig Sheffer looked like he might go on to become a bigger deal that Brad Pitt. Pitt had just made Thelma and Louise and was in his late 20’s and was just becoming somewhat of a name having done most of his work in TV to that point. (An exciting fun fact…I am 1 day older than Pitt.) Robert Redford, who is also the director, provides narration throughout the movie as the voice of Sheffer’s character, Norman McLean. The story is pretty simple in that it shows the connection of a family through the love of fly-fishing. The scenes of the mountains and rivers of Montana are gorgeous and the slow-motion images of fishing are beautiful. If you’re looking for something with lots of action or big twists and surprises, this isn’t your movie. If you want to see the dynamic of a family over the years and how something can bring them together when everything else changes, it might be for you. It’s a peaceful, calming film and may even lull you a bit but that’s not a put-down, but rather a testament to what it does so well. …and if you watch it, whether you like it or not, I won’t judge you on it.
About 25 years ago when discussing A River Runs Through It with some people, they were astounded that not only had I seen it, but that I liked it as well. It seemed impossible that I might enjoy a movie without car crashes and gunfights and explosions and anything that might be the least bit cerebral. That has always left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth that someone thinks that I might only like a certain kind of movie. It’s why I try to be careful not to judge other people on what they like or don’t like. The fact is, there’s a lot about me that people don’t know and I prefer to keep it that way.
So, back to the movie. When the movie first came out it didn’t hype Brad Pitt in the way the current movie poster and other marketing does. In fact, Craig Sheffer looked like he might go on to become a bigger deal that Brad Pitt. Pitt had just made Thelma and Louise and was in his late 20’s and was just becoming somewhat of a name having done most of his work in TV to that point. (An exciting fun fact…I am 1 day older than Pitt.) Robert Redford, who is also the director, provides narration throughout the movie as the voice of Sheffer’s character, Norman McLean. The story is pretty simple in that it shows the connection of a family through the love of fly-fishing. The scenes of the mountains and rivers of Montana are gorgeous and the slow-motion images of fishing are beautiful. If you’re looking for something with lots of action or big twists and surprises, this isn’t your movie. If you want to see the dynamic of a family over the years and how something can bring them together when everything else changes, it might be for you. It’s a peaceful, calming film and may even lull you a bit but that’s not a put-down, but rather a testament to what it does so well. …and if you watch it, whether you like it or not, I won’t judge you on it.