This September, Brad Pitt's iconic 1994 western drama Legends of Autumn will return to screens via Netflix, offering a new generation of viewers the chance to see one of the most spectacular and emotionally charged films of the 90s. The film will arrive on Netflix on September 1st..
Directed by Edward Zwick, the film, which also stars Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond, and Henry Thomas, follows the lives of three siblings and their father living in the remote Montana wilderness in the early 20th century. The story, based on Jim Harrison's 1979 novella, explores themes of love, loss, and the relentless forces of nature and history that shape their destinies.
Legends of Autumn spans nearly five decades, from the tumultuous times of World War I to the Prohibition era, culminating in a touching finale set in the 1960s. The film's breathtaking cinematography, which earned John Toll an Academy Award, captures the sweeping landscapes and rugged beauty of the American frontier, making it a visual masterpiece that still resonates today.
Brad Pitt Wanted to Leave Legends of the Fall
However, the making of this epic was not without its challenges. As revealed in Edward Zwick's recent memoir, Successes, flops and other illusions: my forty years in HollywoodTensions on the set were high, particularly between Zwick and then-rising star Brad Pitt. Zwick says that Pitt, who took on the role of Tristan Ludlow after Tom Cruise dropped out, was initially hesitant about the project. At one point, Pitt's agent even suggested that the actor leave the project after his first reading of the script. Despite these early conflicts, Pitt's portrayal of Tristan became one of his most celebrated performances, cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million worldwide, and received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised its epic scope and performances, others felt the film was overly melodramatic. However, it remains a beloved classic, particularly for its depiction of complex family dynamics and the timeless struggle between human desires and the natural world.
Legends of Autumn will be available on Netflix starting September 1, 2024, as part of the platform’s fall slate. This re-release is a perfect opportunity for both longtime fans and new viewers to revisit or discover the film’s hauntingly beautiful storytelling. As Netflix continues to rotate its catalog, this release is a timely reminder of the enduring appeal of epic storytelling in cinema.
Source: Netflix