A Lesson in Epics

Rating: Null/10 (3 October 2001)

This is the reason films are made. Sprawling, breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable characters .... the essence of a Shakespearian tragedy. Legends of the Fall is a genuine epic based on a novella of the same name by Jim Harrison, who also wrote Revenge (Kevin Costner).
First of all, I have to confess the setting of the Ludlow ranch is utterly perfect. Nothing on this side of heaven can compare to the beauty cinematographer John Toll brings to this film. Throughout all the travels and the span of time, the Ludlow ranch is the only stable grounds for the journey of Col. Ludlow and his sons.
I don't honestly understand Anthony Hopkins and perhaps that's what makes him such a great actor. He cannot be pigeonholed. Here, he turns in a grand role from disgusted military man to crippled father. Forget Hannibal Lecter, this is a much better role for him. Likewise, Aidan Quinn gives an extraordinary performance as eldest son Alfred. He brings a lot of pain to his role that humbles him and ultimately makes him a hero.
Brad Pitt plays the center son and main character, Tristan Ludlow, a man of many demons. Forget his looks, the man can act. He's good at playing a tormented hero, which many young actors aren't allowed to do. He is the one everyone loves and the one that brings the most pain.
Playing his Ophelia is Julia Ormond, a woman I would classify as one of the most appealing actresses in modern films. Sadly, there aren't a lot of overwhelming actresses, even less American actresses. Ormond & her British accent provide a zeal that the Ludlow boys and the viewers cannot take their eyes off of. She, like Pitt, is striking to look at, but also extremely talented. Her character, Suzannah's pain isn't caused so much by Tristan, it simply rivals it.
I like the narration by One Stab, and feel like this is one of the rare formats where a storyteller really serves its purpose. Narration in film is often abused, but here, it is poetic and symbollic.
If the viewer cannot sit through this movie and find something to cheer about in the final confrontation of the Ludlows & O'Banion's, well, I'm sorry; you're truly missing some great storytelling.