"East of Eden"? More Like "South of Podunk"

Rating: 5/10 (31 August 2000)

This beautifully mounted period melodrama sports fine performances by Anthony Hopkins, Julie Ormand and (especially) Aidan Quinn (looking phenomenally like he could really be Hopkins son). Nevertheless, this "East of Eden" wannabe is surprisingly unmoving. Not because of Brad Pitt, whom gives a more than passable performance in a horribly underwritten role. No, this film is empty at the core, not giving us enough to like in Tristin (Pitt) or to dislike in Alfred (Quinn) to understand what the fuss is all about. Like another finely crafted failure, FAR AND AWAY, this film reminds us no amount of artistry can overcome an overblown, sometimes silly script. This is not even in the same galaxy as "East of Eden." No, "Legends of the Fall" is more like "South of Podunk."