A slow-paced, slow-cooked film, narrated slowly but surely and aware of not having to rush to reach the most precious possible goal, i.e. emotion, ‘The River of Life’ keeps its status as a film truly intact. in the directorial trajectory of Robert Redford. And we are talking about an almost flawless filmography.
10 curiosities about ‘The river of life’
1 Roberto’s insistence
Robert Redford’s interest in making this film was so great that he flattered the author for years of the original novel, Norman Maclean, to obtain the rights. His insistence has clearly paid off for him.
The River of Life at eCartelera
2 illustrious debut
In addition to an extraordinary film, ‘The river of life’ It was also the debut of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who played the child version of Norman’s character during the film’s opening bars. An actor who is here to stay.
The River of Life at eCartelera
3 fishing in town
To prepare for his character, Brad Pitt practiced fly fishing during the four weeks leading up to shooting on the film. Of course, since there is no river nearby where you can practice, the actor was training, paying attention, from the roof of a building in Los Angeles.
The River of Life at eCartelera
4 Encounter
“The River of Life” also facilitated emotional reunions. The most special of them, without a doubt, was that of Robert Redford and Tom Skerritt thirty years later from the remarkable ‘Soldier or Hunter (He Who Killed for Pleasure)’ by Denis Sanders.
The River of Life at eCartelera
5 per second
Brad Pitt auditioned twice for the role of Paul. The reason? He didn’t like the first one at all of him…he liked him. Here because, it was the actor himself who insisted that those responsible for the film send him a second test play another scene, which convinced Robert Redford to finally include him in the cast. Mission accomplished for Brad.
The River of Life at eCartelera
6 age differences
Cinema and its age differences. A classic that, in ‘The River of Life’, is represented by Edie McClurg, an actor who is only 12 years older by Stephen Sellen, who plays his son in the film.
The River of Life at eCartelera
7 Phoenix option
Before Brad Pitt landed the coveted role of Paul, the ill-fated River Phoenix he was very close to getting it thanks to a brilliant audition.
The River of Life at eCartelera
8 musical conflicts
At first, Elmer Bernstein composed the music for the film. However, its soundtrack did not convince Robert Redford at all, who did without it and hired Mark Isham to do a new score, which ended up being nominated for an Oscar.
The River of Life at eCartelera
9 Animal protection
All the trout used in the filming of ‘El río de la vida’ were farmed in different ponds located in Montana, which were also kept in a tanker specially prepared for them. Also, instead of using hooks, a line was attached to each fish’s lower jaw very carefully so they wouldn’t get hurt, this process is overseen by several managers of the Montana Humane Society.
The River of Life at eCartelera
10 William and Paul
Another of the actors who tried to get the role of Paul was William Hurt himself, who even went fishing with the author of the original novel, the aforementioned Norman Maclean, to try to convince him. After enjoying the day, the performer asked the writer if he had caught a good enough catch to get the part, to which Maclean replied: “Well, you’re a good fisherman, but not good enough to be my brother.”.
The River of Life at eCartelera
A fully deserved honor for a proposal that once again once again its pillars in a classic model of cinema that dodge dramatic fireworks in favor of silences that constrict the viewer’s heart. To demonstrate this narrative philosophy there is a truly masterful final stretch where, above all, the found and absent gazes of those characters masterfully played by Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt and, above all, Tom Skerritt and Brenda Blethyn stand out.
Impossible not to remember this cinematic family without feeling that lump in my throat again and without feeling that irrepressible desire to vibrate once again to the rhythm of its moving story, its unforgettable performances and its captivating images. No doubt, a great little classic of the cinema of the nineties.
Source: E Cartelera
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
