Don't Make a Scene: A River Runs Through It

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

Scene of two young boys, Paul and Norman, fishing in the river, 

throwing rocks, 

lying on the ground.

Close of NORMAN as an old man.

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. 

(as he threads a fishing line) 

NARRATOR: Of course, now I'm too old to be much of a fisherman. And now I usually fish the big waters alone... 

NARRATOR: although some friends think I shouldn't. 

(shows him in the river 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. 

(Camera shows sky and clouds and river underneath) 

NARRATOR: Eventually, all things merge into one... 

NARRATOR: and a river runs through it.

NARRATOR: The river was cut by the world's great flood... 

NARRATOR: and runs over rocks from the basement of time. 

NARRATOR: On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. 

NARRATOR: Under the rocks are the words... 

NARRATOR: and some of the words are theirs. 

(close-up of Norman) 

NARRATOR: I am haunted by waters.

A River Runs Through It

 

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