Legendary Portrayal of the Masculine Heart

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 2009)

Deep spiritual themes are easy to miss in the first viewing of Edward Zwick's "Legends of the Fall." I dismissed the film as a beautiful but slow-paced chick-flick ten years ago; but, upon later viewings I came to appreciate the film's messages about masculinity, grief, maturity, and responsibility.
The film's three brothers - Samuel, Alfred, and Tristan - have very different motives. Samuel is immature and naive: he wants to fight in WWI to prove his honor and masculinity to himself, his family, and his fiancé. Alfred is the ambitious older brother, believing that success, power and prestige will satisfy his inner longings for love and respect. Tristan is the only one who truly listens to his inner spiritual voice, no matter how extreme and seemingly selfish his actions may be viewed by others.
Ultimately, it is Tristan that everyone admires, both on screen and in the audience for the freedom of his heart. The imagery that Zwick uses in the Montana, WWI, and travel scenes are breathtaking and enhance the story's message. The dialogue is poignant and the feelings are powerful.
I understand some of the criticism of the film. Anthony Hopkins and Aiden Quinn's strong supporting roles, perhaps, overshadow Brad Pitt's acting ability. The film is melodramatic, but I think the melodrama actually enhances its themes. Only true drama lovers would like this film. There is little comic relief and lots of depressing turns. But, you would be hard-pressed to find a better written screenplay or better cinematography than in this film.