What I Watched -- A River Runs Through It

I have no idea how many times I have seen A River Runs Through It.  But when it became apparent that S had not seen it as he reviewed the DVD collection after the craziness of the holiday, it was the obvious choice for a low key evening.

It's a really good movie.  As far as I'm concerned, Paul Maclean is Brad Pitt's best role.  But it's not just him.   Craig Sheffer as the older brother Norman; Tom Skerritt as their father, the Reverend, and Emily Lloyd (in probably her only good role) as Jessie, all add substantially to the casting.

In case you don't know, it's the story of two brothers growing up in small-town Montana in the first third of the 20th century.  The opening line of the book sets up the story: "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing."  You meet the boys when they're about 8 and 5, and see them through to adulthood.

S's comment was that it portrays the complex relationship of brotherhood with the nuance that it's due, rather than the usual glossy exterior that is portrayed.

It's also a beautifully-shot tribute to fishing and the outdoors.

Bottom line: a must-see.

(And yes, the book is also totally worth the investment of time, if you haven't read it yet.)