A River Runs Through It

1992 Drama

Robert Redford's lyrical direction sets the tone for this evocative adaptation of author Norman MacLean's memoir of his idyllic Montana youth. The MacLean family is presided over by the strict but encouraging Rev. MacLean (Tom Skerritt) and his loving wife (Brenda Blethyn). Craig Sheffer stars as the young Norman, the older son in his family, who takes his school work and writing a bit too seriously for Paul (Brad Pitt), the impetuous younger son, to take much stock in. Paul would rather have a good time, drink and play cards than get involved with academic study. Where Norman wants to be a college literature professor, Paul would prefer to stay in Montana all his life and wrangle some kind of job writing for a local newspaper. But, ironically, Paul is the better fly fisherman and in this way attains a sense of perfection. The film also details the MacLean boys' involvement with a colorful group of town's people -- including a young Indian woman Paul decides to date and the defiant Jessie (Emily Lloyd), whom Norman later marries. more..

Director: Robert Redford

Starring: Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, Emily Lloyd

Reviews

  • Robert Redford's sensitive, unhurried movie of A River Runs Through It is so faithful to the book that it becomes that rare thing - a beautiful celebration of the power of literature.

    Peter Stack - The San Francisco Chronicle

    29 November 2012

  • A River Runs Through It, Mr. Redford's beautiful and deeply felt new movie, puts him in an entirely new category as a film maker.

    - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

  • Redford and his writer, Richard Friedenberg, understand that most of the events in any life are accidential or arbitrary, especially the crucial ones, and we can exercise little conscious control over our destinies.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • The story is told handsomely and affectingly with images, facial expressions and body language.

    Jay Carr - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • It is a serious and, at times, moving film, and it deserves serious analysis.

    Hal Hinson - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Cinematography

    Academy Awards (1993)

  • Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases

    American Society of Cinematographers (1993)

     
  • Best Casting for Feature Film, Comedy

    Casting Society of America (1993)

     
  • Best Director - Motion Picture

    Golden Globes (1993)

     
  • Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television

    Grammy Awards (1994)