Review of Legends of the Fall (1994) by Matthew D — 26 Sep 2018

A drama for the ages.

Legends of the Fall (1994) is an epic western drama filled with raw emotions and shocking twists. Edward Zwick directs with a fine sense of realism and massive scope in vision. The long wide shots of natural beauty are matched with Zwick's eye for filming medium shots in close quarters. The battles and fights are as exciting as the tender romance moments.

The score from James Horner is lovely, sweeping across the shots of fields and wilderness, cradling each scene carefully. Horner has such an eye for subtle cues that elevate already excellent moments. His composition is stacked with gentle melodies and longing symphonies. I love Horner's score for Legends of the Fall.

The highlight is certainly the acting from the entire cast. A young Brad Pitt leads the charge with intensity and passion. He carries scenes with his more emotive style of acting. Aidan Quinn compels you with his serious display of emotions. I like this role tremendously for Quinn. Julia Ormond portrays such love and passion as well as capturing unhappiness on a profoundly moving level. Finally, Sir Anthony Hopkins kills it as a father figure desperately trying to protect his children. Legends of the Fall contains one of Hopkins' most touching performances.

In all, I first saw Legends of the Fall when I was a young man. I loved it then. Revisiting it is nostalgic, but I also see the love in how it was crafted. I feel much like Brad Pitt coming home after a long journey. Legends of the Fall is dramatic in its impact and influence on me.