Robert Redford narrates the film as an older version of Norman. This contribution to the film allows the narrative of Norman Maclean's story to come to life in a specific way. We are able to understand that the film is about the river of life, love and experiences that Norman created during his final years of his brothers life and how those memories continue to run through him like a river, even as an old man. His narration of the story is deeply personal as it is the story of one's life that matters most, and Paul's story never came to realization in the full and vibrant way it should have.
Redford also composes shots on the river that add value to the themes and richness to the character's lives. We see Norman watching Paul fish on their first trip since Norman has returned home from school. He sees his brother bathed in golden sunlight 'shadow casting'. This composition of lighting creates the reality that Paul has a great gift and has become an artist in his craft. It holds him up to show us the preciousness of the gifts that when nurtured come to fruition.
We also see Norman's arrival on the train back to Montana, and it is symbolic in many ways. The train cutting through the countryside shows the relationship between father and son. The train is a new way of thinking, innovation, and the countryside is an era that has always been and will always be--Normans father. Then we see Norman on the train from the outside of the cabin and the reflection of the mountains in the window covering him represent how deeply engrained the land is to who he is.
The final scene with Norman as an old man brings the entire film together by showing us that the river is a metaphor for how Norman's experience over the final years of Paul's life has continued to flow through him, and where there was once peace there is now haunting upon the waters that once held such preciousness of life. We get all of this from an old man who lives quietly and without complaint, to the rest of the world appears to have it all together. It gives us great empathy for him and what has shaped his life.
