Posted: Tue., Dec. 31, 1991, 11:00pm PT

A River Runs Through It

By Variety Staff

Columbia. Director Robert Redford; Producer Robert Redford, Patrick Markey; Screenplay Richard Friedenberg; Camera Philippe Rousselot; Editor Lynzee Klingman, Robert Estrin; Music Mark Isham; Art Director Jon Hutman

Craig Sheffer Brad Pitt Tom Skerritt Brenda Blethyn Emily Lloyd Edie McClurg

A skilled, careful adaptation of a much-admired story, A River Runs Through It is a convincing trip back in time to a virtually vanished American West, as well as a nicely observed family study. Old-fashioned, literary and restrained, it's Robert Redford's third directorial outing.

Published in 1976, the poetic, elegiac novella traces Norman Maclean's relationship with his wilder, younger brother Paul in Montana against the backdrop of fly fishing, used as a metaphor for achieving a state of grace in life.

Arcing gracefully from 1910 to 1935, tale reveals the love and stability within the proud Maclean family, but also the inability to transform that love into the help Paul needs to save his life.

Performances are thoughtful and well-judged. Craig Sheffer brings well-tempered nuances to Norman. With the showiest role, Brad Pitt shines, his smoldering James Dean-ish looks and recklessness encompassing both Paul's charm and doom. Tom Skerritt discreetly reveals the loving core inside the reedy exterior of the boys' preacher father.

Exquisitely lit and lensed, pic gives a strong physical sense of the majestic mountains and brilliant rivers of Montana.

1992: Best Cinematography.

Nominations: Best Screenplay Adaptation, Original Score

(Color) Available on VHS, DVD. Extract of a review from 1992. Running time: 123 MIN.