Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends. — Legends of the Fall
Family can be a complex and enduring aspect of our lives regardless of how we may push back and feel toward these relationships. Blood and history connect us to our families whether we like it or not. In the film (1994) and novella (1979) of Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison, the author realizes and challenges both family and brotherhood. Both the text and the film create family from complex themes, like hate and redemption. In this post, we analyze Legends of the Fall in both its iterations.
Summary of Legends of the Fall
Jim Harrison, the author of the novella Legends of the Fall, grew up in Grayling, MI, in 1937. Harrison was a prolific writer, known for his poems, books, screenplays, memoirs, and more. Legends of the Fall is part of a novella collection that also includes two other stories: Revenge and The Man Who Gave Up His Name.
The novella follows the tumultuous journey of the Ludlow family over multiple decades. It comprises father Colonel William Ludlow and his three sons: Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel. World War I, as it does to many families, tears the brothers apart. After only two of them return—Alfred and Tristan—a conflict ensues over their younger brother’s wife, Susannah.
The perspective mainly centers on Tristan, a loner within the family. His story is one of tragedy, murder, romance, machismo, and historical significance. The family undergoes considerable trauma and hardship before finding solace in their familial connections, albeit through violence and heartache. In addition to that, the story explores themes of familial discord, love, and the mistakes of humanity.
Here’s an excerpt from the novel about Tristan finding his younger brother Samuel’s body:
“They sat still and fireless through the night and then at dawn in the fine sifting snow they crept forward in the snow and wiped it from the faces of the dozen or so dead until Tristan found Samuel, kissed him and bathed his icy face with his own tears: Samuel’s face gray and unmarked but his belly rended from its cage of ribs. Tristan detached the heart with a skinning knife and they rode back to camp where Noel melted down candles and they encased Samuel’s heart in paraffin in a small ammunition canister for burial back in Montana” (Harrison).
What this says of family and familial ties is that even in the loving embrace of those we know best–there is violence. As such, and throughout the novel, Tristan kills in vengeance and thus inflicts violence on those he loves as well. Ritual in brotherhood is strong, after all.
Analyzing Legends of the Fall
The film adaptation strives to remain faithful to the original work by enriching the setting and character development. While the story is epic in scope, the film effectively captures the emotions and struggles of each character. The issues that plague the character effectively distorts their motives and intentions throughout. In the end, the reader discovers a changed family through turmoil and strife.
The movie certainly maintains the novella’s violence, from Samuel’s death to Tristan scalping Nazis in a trench. However, some critics have noted that the novella leans toward “telling” rather than “showing,” leaving room for interpretation. For instance, Harrison tells us of Susannah’s madness in the book rather than shows us. Meanwhile, in the movie, subtle hints and expressions help viewers understand her dissatisfaction with her own life (Malek).
The cast, including Brad Pitt, Aidan Quinn, Henry Thomas, Julia Ormond, and Anthony Hopkins, delivers mostly understated performances. Brad Pitt portrays an exaggerated version of the American outlaw and gunslinger, aligning well with the novella’s intent.
Themes and Symbolism
Both the novella and the film explore themes of family issues spanning nearly a century. The discord between the Ludlow brothers and their father underscores the complex relationships that brothers and fathers come into conflict with.
Meanwhile, Tristan’s adventures, in particular, highlight the multifaceted nature of love, from his love for his brother Samuel to his love for his father through military service in WWI, his love for Susannah, and ultimately, the love that leads to tragedy. Both versions of the story emphasize the importance of family bonds, their fragility, and the potential for repair through honor and dedication.
Conclusion
Jim Harrison’s Legends of the Fall is a romanticized tale that celebrates adventure, war, love, and violence. The film adaptation mirrors this romantic view by portraying a family navigating changing times and strife. There is a great wealth of creative works centered around autumn, and this is a story that will take you to that atmospheric time of year. While critical reception may be mixed, for those who appreciate Jim Harrison’s storytelling, Legends of the Fall offers a captivating exploration of family bonds and heartache.
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