Director: Edward Zwick
Starring: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins and Aidan Quinn
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have lit a bright spark as powerfully as Brad Pitt. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Pitt has become an icon. Whether it’s detectives seeking to investigate murders, Formula 1 drivers or fight club owners, Pitt has played several strong characters. Arguably, Pitt’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he is not the main focus of a movie, Pitt has left an impression. Despite reaching age of retirement, Pitt has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. A movie-star with charisma, Pitt has been an icon in Cinema. Throughout his strong career, Pitt has made many bold movies that are definitely worth absolutely talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Pitt and adore all the films which he has made in his career. However, “Legends of the Fall” is absolutely his most underrated work. Released in 1994, Edward Zwick’s movie offered a powerful portrait of American families. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best period piece films ever made. At the centre of it all is a brilliant performance by Brad Pitt, who embodies a son of a family unit. Ultimately, what makes “Legends of the Fall” a true masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most period pieces, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing period piece, there are several strong reasons why “Legends of the Fall” is worth watching.
Set in 20th Century Montana, “Legends of the Fall” tells the story of an ancient family facing a dilemma. Brad Pitt portrays Tristan Ludlow, a loyal son of a legendary American family. Tristan has always shared a powerful bond with his beloved family he loves dearly. Assisted with his father Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins), Tristan embarks upon a journey to find identity. However, Tristan’s life forever changes when his bond with his family is tested by warfare disasters. As all odds become stacked against his favour, Tristan is forced to wonder if it’s possible to survive in a commemorated family that is under intense pressure.
Edward Zwick has always been fascinated with warfare. A fantastic filmmaker, Zwick has always made engaging movies about soldiers in disaster. His iconic film “Glory” offered a strong portrait of soldiers seeking glory in American history. With “Legends of the Fall”, however, Zwick took upon his first period piece. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to adapt a legendary book about ranchers but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Zwick captures a son of a troublesome American family. Inspired with Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People”, Zwick expertly uses point of view shots to convey hardships faced by families which prove to be dysfunctional. Using POV shots, Zwick creates a strong portrait of families that’s engaging. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in most films. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” suggested, point of view shots elevate historical dramas. That being said, it works immensely in this film. Using stunning visuals, Zwick captures the tensions that legendary American families are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Legends of the Fall” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best period piece films ever made. Evoking Victor Fleming’s “Gone With the Wind”, Zwick effectively uses costumes to capture the tensions faced by American families. Throughout the film, Tristan’s bold costumes showcase his transformation into an American soldier. For instance, costumes elevate the family reunion scene. During this unforgettable scene, Tristan reunites with his family in his home. Through captivating costumes, Zwick crafts a portrait of family that’s engaging. Moreover, the music score is magnificent. James Horner’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burdens soldiers bear. Using captivating production, Zwick captures struggles of families facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Legends of the Fall” is a period piece that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully uses silence to capture the tensions that legendary families experience. Evoking James Ivory’s “The Remains of the Day”, Zwick uses silence to capture families facing a price to pay. For instance, silence elevates the family grief scene. During this unforgettable scene, Tristan experiences a crisis when he discovers that a member of his family has died. Through silence, Zwick creates a portrait of American families that audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As David Fincher’s “Se7en” suggested, silence often elevates murder mystery movies. However, it works tremendously in this movie. Though a strong screenplay, Zwick honours a beloved book today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Brad Pitt delivers one of his finest career performances as Tristan. Pitt achieved appreciation for playing owners of fight clubs in celebrated psychological thrillers. With “Legends of the Fall”, however, he took on his most emotional role. It isn’t easy to portray a conflicted son of a legendary American family, but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most memorable role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentment of a conflicted son. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actors working today.
While the movie is manly a showcase for Brad Pitt, the supporting cast is excellent. Anthony Hopkins is amazing, capturing the authority of a father struggling to care for his American family. Aidan Quinn is superb, capturing the tension faced by a conflicted son. Lastly, Julia Ormond merits recognition. As a conflicted mother, she is memorable.
Finally, “Legends of the Fall” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing lives of families that fall. Unlike most adaptations of famous books, it discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes including ambition, mental health and trauma which would resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. Therefore, “Legends of the Fall” is one of those period pieces everyone will adore.
Fans of Brad Pitt will definitely appreciate “Legends of the Fall” and so would movie-goers seeking old-fashioned entertainment. A riveting period piece, it honours an actor that’s inspiring.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking movie about a legendary American family struggling to survive in a land of poverty, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that’s created a lasting legacy by his abilities to portray strong characters in memorable movies that audiences always love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 