Fly-fishing figures prominently in this poignant tale of two brothers growing up in Montana in the early 20th century under the stern rule of their minister father. While both boys rebel, Norman (Craig Sheffer) channels his rebellion into writing, but Paul (Brad Pitt) descends onto a slippery path of self-destruction. The beautiful scenery of Montana is used to full effect with the awesome cinematography of Philippe Rousselot. Directed by Robert Redford, this adaptation of Norman Maclean's classic autobiography also features Tom Skerritt and Brenda Blethyn as the Reverend and Mrs. Maclean
cast
Brad Pitt as Paul Maclean Craig Sheffer as Norman Maclean Emily Lloyd as Jessie Burns Tom Skerritt as Rev. Maclean
quote
Norman: Truth is, I'm not sure I want to leave.
Jesse: Montana? Why? It'll always be here.
Norman: Not Montana.
Jesse: Then what? WHAT?
Norman: I'm not sure I want to leave you.
As an actor Robert Redford is just not my cup of tea. He generally plays someone handsome and callow and perhaps less than a deep thinker. When a film calls for someone to be handsome and callow and less than a great thinker, he can be good in a role. I certainly cannot fault him for his contributions to films such as THE CANDIDATE and THE NATURAL. But Robert Redford the director is another animal entirely. His ORDINARY PEOPLE was neither ordinary nor empty, but a quiet and powerful study of a family that was no longer functioning as a family. THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR was another film of keenly observed personalities. But this time he had a whimsical feel and a spell of magical realism. In his third film the craftsmanship is greater than ever but the people are much more reserved and the film lacks impact. It is hard to feel much for a family that believes so strongly that the best thing in life is fly fishing.