Beginning with the unforgettable approach, "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing," Maclean paints an evocative portrait of the sons of a small-town Montana man. The story traces the relationship between two brothers growing up in an emotionally constricted household headed by a Presbyterian minister. The scholarly Norman follows in the footsteps of his stern, stoic father, going to college, marrying and settling down. His older brother Paul -- daring, handsome and athletic -- chooses the more glamorous career of newspaper journalist. These two very different brothers are brought together through the years by a mutual love of fly-fishing instilled in them by their unyielding father. As Norman watches his brother's seemingly charmed life dissolve under the influences of gambling and alcohol, the art of fly fishing becomes a poignant metaphor for the love their father was unable to express in any other way, and, in the end, it is the language of t
he river that provides understanding and acceptance in the most difficult of times in life.
The boy’s father understood life through his understanding of God. Living as a Presbyterian Minister, Pastor Maclean abided by the Christian rules. Though most of his understanding of life was derived through religion, a large part is contributed to fly-fishing. Pastor Maclean learned patience, skill, competition, and the feelings of triumph and failure through his time spent trying to set the perfect fly. Skill and patience were such important aspects to him that he once said; “Nobody who did not know how to fish would be allowed to disgrace a fish by catching him."
Each character through out the movie A River Runs Through It displayed at least a small understanding of coming to terms with life. Norman showed his understanding through his analytical points of view and passive attitudes. Brother, Paul, displayed slightly less understanding and had more of a reckless disposition
Example Essays Home
