Review of A River Runs Through It (1992) by Allan C — 10 Oct 2015

Robert Redford's beautiful pastoral film about fathers and sons in turn of the century Missoula, Montana. Just like author Norman Maclean's novella, it's a deceptively simple story about a family, a specific place and a specific time, but contains many universal themes that still ring true today, young love, leaving home and coming of age.

But the part of the film that hit home with me is the relationship between the boys and their father. The boys and their father had a rather formal relationship, not filled with hugs and joking, but at the same time they shared a very close bond, particularly illustrated through fly fishing.

There's one moment in particular where Norman is oder and is sitting by his father, the excellent Tom Skerritt, who puts his hand on Norman's knee and gives him a look that says he wants to say how proud his is of him and how he feels, but instead manages to convey that same message without words.

His actions raising the boys and teaching them showed his love and the boys (now men) wordless thank their father. It's a beautiful unspoken message and one that I felt is true for myself and my own father, who's in his 90s and a bit old school when it comes to expressing emotions.

The film features some terrific performances from everyone involved, including Craig Sheffer in the lead as Norman (really the only film I remember him in outside of "Nightbreed," which is too bad), a young Brad Pitt before he became a megastar as Norman's brother Paul, along with Brenda Blethyn, Emily Lloyd, Edie McClurg, William Hootkins and even Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Young Norman.

Mark Isham provided an elegant and subdued score and Philippe Rousselot gives the film an beautiful unspoiled sheen that perfectly compliments the film's themes and setting. Easily my favorite of director/producer Redford's films.