🔗 Share this article

When Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hit theaters, the billing showed Newman, Ross, and Redford. Now, the order has changed—now it's Newman, Redford, then Ross. Redford, as the legendary outlaw, has become among the biggest rising stars since the era of McQueen. But, though passably grateful, he remains largely indifferent.

Redford’s Stance on Hollywood

“I don’t consider myself,” he says determinedly, “tied to the industry. Do you remember that guy who appears the play by that celebrated story, saying, ‘There’s no foundation—from top to bottom’? That’s, that echoes my sentiment regarding the film industry. It’s impossible to manage an art form as if it’s commerce these days, yet they persist exactly that. Movies in their eyes resemble household appliances. The approach sickens me.”

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Admittedly, many have said all this before in Hollywood. Yet he, in a measured tone, appearing genuinely unsure why anyone should want to interview him, comes across as sincere. Much of it stems due to he put almost two years into making the sports drama only to discover taking on studios proved more difficult than filming itself.

His project, which hasn’t yet been shown here, in spite of the fact test showings occurred months ago, is out in the US and has received reviews implying it’s not just a simple sports film. “Truth be told,” says Redford, “it is about competition and competitors. And the reason I want to open it in London as this is not a skiing country. The odds are better for it to succeed as a study of human nature as opposed to sports footage.”

“They wanted to release it in Austria, targeting enthusiasts. However… this film depicting a US athlete earning the top prize in downhill racing. Is that really impress them? Goodness, just as long as I stay away. I’d be torn to pieces.”

Poetry and Danger

“Why downhill racing? Because it seems to me the perfect blend of poetry and danger, the best way to portray the impact of competition. You have to be daring to the extreme to participate. Having tried it, it changes you forever.”

“Consider all those downhill veterans lingering watching newcomers. They seem lost. They can’t keep still. Their hands move restlessly the whole time. Physically depleted. Sport can be very cruel, affecting everyone. Often it prepares you inadequately for life, or destroys you completely.”

Redford’s Athletic Past

Redford should know, he was once an excellent American football and baseball player, and could well have made a name on the court too. “Wow, I really hated to lose,” he admits, “eventually I got so that continuing was impossible, winning or losing. My focus shifted across the court and think—my, his left sock is coming down. That shoe will harm his foot before long, but he’s oblivious about the game ignoring the pain. I’d also see a person in the crowd, and think: ‘What is he pondering at this moment? Am I really acting out his dreams?, competing for him? By which time the game was gone!’”

The Forgotten Canvas

An earlier interest, possibly his first love, is painting. He wandered through European cities for over a year during the 1950s, mixing with creative minds and thinkers, some authentic, some not. He ran out of money while in Italy, yet encountered a mentor who arranged a show for his art funding his transportation back home. When he got back, his dissatisfaction resurfaced. Acting became his path, starting in theater, then television, culminating in cinema.

His film roles, another hit, Willie Boy, the western, and Downhill Racer followed in quick succession. Up next was Little Fauss and Big Halsey, a film about motorcycle racing with Michael J Pollard. Later, possibly a movie on latter-day rodeo riding. Athletics seems to following him for a while longer.

And what about painting? He seems hesitant. “Um,” he confesses, “I haven’t done it in years. That’s why I need a break from movies return to it. Is it possible to restart? Probably not. It’s not a hobby, is it?. It’s got to be the whole of life. Mind you, my first visit to London has amazed me concerning inspiration. I’m eager to pick up a brush.”

“Look at the light across the city. It’s stunning. Each morning since arriving I rise at dawn and explored with my mouth open. Unprecedented anything like it. I need to return again soon. If Downhill Racer finally opens—should that happen.”

Respect for a Colleague

“I envy as savvy like Newman. He’d have seen to it that my project received proper treatment like this. Take Rachel, Rachel? “Indeed. However, Newman can’t constantly defy the industry.”