Legends of the Fall (1995)

Read the novella, then watch the film

Usually, watching a film adaptation of a book or story is a letdown. But in the case of Legends Of The Fall I'd have to say it is advisable to read the story before watching the film as it is helpful in understanding the motivations of the characters, even though the film differs greatly from the novella.

The film didn't--couldn't--portray character motivation as the story by Jim Harrison does. Watching the film without the background of the novella will have you wondering why the hell Suzanne and Tristan react like they do. It's difficult to catch the guilt of Tristan who fails to "take care of Samuel" and the manic depression suffered by Suzanne. The film, on it's own, cannot convey the clash of tradition against the new of the industrial revolution and a changing West.

Read the wonderful novella by Jim Harrison, then watch the film.

As an aside, a couple of years ago I went to a book signing of Jim Harrison's and someone asked him about his impressions of the film Legends Of The Fall. His reply was that, apparently, there must have been a lot of nearby laundry facilities in turn of the century Montana; everyone had such clean clothes in the film.
November 29, 2008

what a waste of talent

It is hard to finish this film since it is so predictable, overly dramatic, and devoid of a sensible message. The four leading actors are good as their other films will bear witness to, however Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, and Julia Ormond can't escape from a idiotic plot and overly dramatic unrealistic script.

Repeatedly in the film we see people going away while those left behind huddle together with tears in their eyes while overly dramatic music tells the viewer that something emotional is happening, even if it is not. The number of these scene where someone goes away or comes back again reach the point where the viewer just doesn't care anymore and the music used for each of these extended good-bye scenes eventually becomes so repetitive that you can't bear to finish the film.

Pitt is indeed handsome and he gives the film a real acting effort. However, the film appears to be a vehicle to display Pitt in a range of activities and costumes, as a cowboy, a World War I soldier, a ship captain, a big game hunter, a whiskey bootlegger, a native man of multiple cultures, etc. We see Brad Pitt barely clothed or nude in love making scenes that seem highly orchestrated to titalate the viewer. How tiresome this all becomes.

Anthony Hopkins is a superb actor as his performance in Remains of the Day should attest. However, in this film he is a two dimensional cardboard version of a strict father who becomes a stroke victim with a shotgun. This is one of those films where we are told about people's feelings rather than experience it through their acting skills. We are told that Colonel Ludlow loved a women more than she loved him but we never really understand this odd relationship between Colonol and Elizabeth Ludlow.

Aiden Quinn tries his best, but his character lacks insights necessary to become more than a poorly articulated spurned man. Aiden Quinn has the third most lines in the whole film and yet lacks some sense of reality and coherence as a character.

Julia Ormond plays a young woman who must be totally crazy to put up with the Ludlow family which only brings her misery. At least ten times in the film, any common-sense would have compelled her to leave the wilderness home of the Ludlows and go get a real life.

The outdoor photography was excellent, of the quality of a good National Geographic nature film, but this alone does not save a film that is based on a screenplay that was pitiful. The film is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. It literally could have been cut in half and still would have seemed tedious. November 13, 2008

Quite possibly Pitt's best work

This complex saga of love, grief & loyalty is narrated with stark simplicity by old Stab, long-time friend to retired Colonel Ludlow & his 3 sons: staid Alfred, the eldest ("old even for his years"); idealistic Samuel, the youngest ("There was nothing these brothers would not do for him."); & wild Tristan ("Such people become crazy or they become legends."). The conflict between Ludlow's fiercely anti-government anti-war stance & his sons' determination to do what they see as their duty is but part of the story; the heart of the tale is the rift that threatens the mutual devotion of these 3 loyal brothers as they all come to love the same woman. "She was not to blame," Stab tells us, "She was like the ice that freezes in the rock and splits it apart."

A tragic tale, yes; heartbreaking at times, but never boring. Every time I felt certain I knew what was coming next, the plot took another unexpected turn & I sat there riveted, softly breathing "Wow!" now & again into the darkness. This film immediately became one of my all-time favorites; I've watched it half a dozen times since then & its scope & power still move me.
October 30, 2008

Heartbreaking.

Legends of the Fall starring Brad Pitt is a moving and extremely weepy romantic drama. This film made Pitt a star and sex symbol, his acting is brilliant, not just another pretty face. Anthony Hopkins, Henry Thromas, and Aidan Quinn also star. Julia Ormond plays the young lady of the three brothers affection, she has feelings for all of the them especially Tristan (Pitt) but their love cannot endure and tragedy strikes and the ending may leave you shocked and disappointed but I highly recommend this strong and passionate story, enjoy! September 17, 2008

Legends of the Fall

I never received this DVD and was sent a different movie instead. I tried to request to be sent Legends of the Fall and was told there weren't anymore in stock! August 29, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...