The classic story of fly-fishing in Montana finds new life as A River Runs Through It marks its 50th anniversary. Originally published by Norman Maclean, this novella sheds light on family, love, and the art of fly-fishing. With the movie adaptation by Robert Redford, starring Tom Skerritt and Brad Pitt, the tale captured audiences worldwide. It continues to influence Montana’s tourism and angling culture.
Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot, who earned an Oscar for his work, remarked, “the goal of this film is not to bring more tourists to the rivers of Montana, and not telling people you should fish.” Fly-fishing consultant John Dietsch noted the book was largely about the fishing experience. Published in 1976, the book nearly won the Pulitzer Prize in 1977 but ultimately received no award. The novella’s depiction of the Blackfoot River, once isolated, now sees crowds of anglers, raising concerns among locals about its capacity to handle tourism.
This year’s anniversary brings events like the “In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Literary Festival” in Missoula, featuring performances that honor the novella’s legacy. Opera Montana plans a rendition of A River Runs Through It, with performances set for Missoula and Bozeman. Amidst the celebrations, the impact of the movie on Montana’s rivers and environment remains a topic of discourse.
Annick Smith, a writer and filmmaker who worked with Maclean, emphasized the novella’s international appeal, stating, “The river is such a huge presence, and it gets almost mythical status from the book.” As the book passes through generations, its themes of love and tragedy, woven with fishing, continue to resonate.
Tall tales of fish tails
Director Matt Foss, inspired by Maclean’s works, ventured into creating an opera based on the novella. Despite his limited fishing experience, Foss appreciates Maclean’s storytelling, particularly how trout fishing serves as a metaphor for family love. “Good art works like an electron in the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle,” Foss said, highlighting the novella’s intricate narrative style.
The film adaptation introduced Brad Pitt’s charm to audiences, despite shifting the setting from Missoula to the Greater Yellowstone region. Its success propelled fly-fishing tourism, leading to both positive and negative impacts on local rivers and communities. The film remains a cultural touchstone, epitomizing Montana’s scenic allure and fishing heritage.
Constructing a vision
Maclean penned A River Runs Through It at 74, encapsulating his Western storytelling roots. The book’s impact on the Blackfoot River is noteworthy, sparking ecological restoration efforts. Recent plans by an Australian mining company to explore for gold have renewed concerns over environmental preservation.
Through its lens on family dynamics and environmental changes, A River Runs Through It continues to be a source of reflection and inspiration. Its nuanced portrayal of Montana’s landscape and culture remains enduringly relevant.
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