The Story: Norman Maclean was 71 years old when he took his minister-father's advice and started "seriously" writing. Not technical manuals or academic studies for his University of Chicago professorship. "Serious" writing. Words that were precise, mulled over, lived-in, and true.
Even if what he was writing about was a mystery. Even if he didn't understand it.
His father even advised him "After you have finished your true stories sometime, why don't you make
up a story and the people to go with it? Only then will you understand
what happened and why. It is those we live with and love and should know
who elude us."
But, he didn't.
There are big thoughts and big realizations if we choose to think about them, even if our contributions to them are small. We have a place, however temporary.
This is one of my favorite endings of a movie.
And I am haunted by it.
The Set-up: As his future days grow fewer, Norman Mclean returns to where his life started, by the big river he fished with his father, his wife, and his younger brother, all having gone before him.
Action.
FLASH BACK
NARRATOR: Now nearly all those I loved and did
not understand in my youth are dead.
Even Jessie.
But I still reach out to them.
NARRATOR: Of course, now I'm too old
to be much of a fisherman.
And now I usually fish
the big waters alone...
NARRATOR: But when I am alone
in the half-light of the canyon...
all existence seems to fade to a being
with my soul and memories...
NARRATOR: and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot
River and a four-count rhythm...
and the hope that a fish will rise.
Words by Richard Friedenberg but, mostly Norman Maclean
Pictures by Philippe Rousselot and Robert Redford
A River Runs Through It is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Columbia Tri-Star Home Video
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