Two brothers follow markedly different paths after a strict upbringing by their minister father in 1920s Montana, which includes home schooling and daily fly fishing excursions.
A River Runs Through It is based on the memoir of the same name by writer and teacher Norman Maclean, who drew from his colorful family history and struggled for years to get his work published before finding great success. Maclean resisted attempts to turn the story into a film until he was eventually persuaded by actor/director Robert Redford. Redford was one of Hollywood's biggest stars in the late 60's and 1970's, and his debut as a filmmaker (Ordinary People, 1980) earned him an Academy Award for Direction. He also founded the Sundance Institute and its accompanying festival, and has been active in various environmental causes over the years.
Redford gave Maclean the power to abort the project until he had approved the screenplay, and after giving his blessing the writer subsequently died before the production was completed. The film was shot on location in Montana, with additional photography completed in Northern Wyoming.
The cast features Craig Sheffer (TV series One Tree Hill) as Norman and Brad Pitt as his brother Paul in a truly star-making performance (which drew many comparisons to a younger Redford). They are joined by Tom Skerritt (Top Gun, Alien, M*A*S*H), British actresses Brenda Blethyn and Emily Lloyd, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in an early role. Redford narrates the film himself, using passages from Malean's first-person writing.
Redford's portrayal of ritual in nature and its zen-like effect in achieving harmony is something seen not only here, but in his later films The Horse Whisperer and The Legend of Bagger Vance as well. The film also succeeds as conservationist propaganda with its glorious depiction of the American West.
A River Runs Through It was a moderate box office success, and received Academy Award nominations for its screenplay and score, with an award going to Philippe Rousselot's photography. The film was also responsible for a notable increase in fly fishing tourism.
Running time is approximately 2 hours.
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