Making It Through: A River Runs Through It… And So Does My Attention Span
Welcome to the wild world of Making It Through, a documentary that takes us behind the scenes of Robert Redford’s beautifully poetic film A River Runs Through It (1992). This isn’t just any documentary; it’s a journey through the lyrical landscapes of Montana, where the rivers flow freer than my willpower on a Friday night!
First off, let’s address the fishing elephant in the room: this film is about fishing, but not the kind where you sit on a boat with a cooler full of beer. No, this is the kind of fishing that makes you ponder the meaning of life while simultaneously contemplating if you should have brought a snack. Spoiler alert: they didn’t, and it’s a tragedy of epic proportions!
The documentary dives into the making of the film, which is like a fishing expedition of its own. We follow Redford, who could charm the scales off a fish, as he navigates the treacherous waters of filmmaking. Between shots of majestic rivers and the occasional existential crisis, we get to see him juggle the complexities of directing with the grace of a cat on a hot tin roof. And let’s be honest, he’s like the river itself—calm on the surface but filled with unpredictable currents underneath.
As the doc unfolds, we meet the cast, who are basically just actors trying to catch the elusive fish of fame. They discuss their roles with the seriousness of a philosophy major at a coffee shop, pondering if they are, in fact, the fish or merely the bait. Spoiler: they’re definitely the bait. The real fish here is the audience, who are just waiting for a good hook!
Then there’s the cinematography. Oh boy, it’s like a nature documentary on steroids! Each shot is so stunning that you might find yourself questioning your life choices—like why you’re sitting on your couch instead of wading through a river in Montana, trying to catch a trout while contemplating your own existence. We get it, Redford, you’re a genius! Can we just skip to the part where we all go to Montana?
Throughout the documentary, there’s a recurring theme of brotherhood, family, and the struggle to find meaning in life. It’s deep, folks. So deep that I almost needed a lifeguard. The brothers in the film drift in and out of each other’s lives like fish dodging a poorly thrown line, and it’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Spoiler alert: they love each other, but they also make some questionable life choices—like trying to catch fish with their bare hands. Good luck with that, guys!
In the end, Making It Through leaves us with more questions than answers. Like, why don’t they just use a fishing rod? Or, why is Redford so effortlessly cool? Or, does anyone actually know how to cook a trout? The answers remain as elusive as the fish themselves.
So, if you’re in the mood for a documentary that makes you laugh, cry, and question your entire existence while also providing a masterclass in cinematography, grab some popcorn (or a fishing pole) and dive into Making It Through. Just remember: it’s not about the fish you catch, but the friends you make along the way. And if you don’t catch any fish, well, at least you can blame it on the river!