Robert Redford Shares His Views in Vintage Conversation

At the time the classic Newman-Redford pairing was released, the top cast listing featured Paul Newman, Katharine Ross, Robert Redford. Now, the sequence has changed—it’s Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross. The actor, famed for his role, has become among the biggest new box office properties following the era of McQueen. Yet, though passably grateful, he couldn’t really care less.

Rejecting the Studio System

“I am not,” he says determinedly, “tied to the industry. Do you remember that character who walks in and out William Saroyan’s that celebrated story, saying, ‘It’s all built on sand—all down the line’? Well, that’s how I see when it comes to Tinseltown. You can’t run an art form like manufacturing nowadays, but studios keep attempting exactly that. Films to them are no different from consumer products. I find it repulsive.”

The Struggle with Downhill Racer

Of course, many have said similar things from aspiring film men. Yet he, in a measured tone, appearing genuinely unsure about his own appeal, seems truly committed. One of the main reasons from he devoted nearly two years into making the sports drama realizing battling the establishment was an even harder job than filming itself.

His project, which hasn’t yet been shown here, in spite of the fact early screenings were being given months ago, debuted in the US and has received reviews which suggest that the film is considerably more a simple sports film. “Truth be told,” he explains, “it explores competition and competitors. Which is why I want to open it in London as skiing isn’t big here. There is more chance of it surviving here as a portrayal of human nature rather than just athletic action.”

“Producers aimed to premiere it where skiing reigns, targeting enthusiasts. But, really… here is a movie which shows an American competitor getting a gold medal in downhill racing. Wouldn’t that impress them? Oh, boy, provided that I avoid attending. It would be brutal.”

Why This Sport?

“Why downhill racing? Because it seems to me a unique combination beauty and peril, an excellent means to portray what sport sometimes does to men. It requires being fearlessly committed to do it at all. Having tried it, you are never quite the same again.”

“Consider aging skiers hanging about watching newcomers. It’s sad. They can’t keep still. Fidgeting endlessly the whole time. They are all shot up. Sport can be very cruel, for pros and amateurs alike. Frequently it fits you inadequately for life, even breaks you utterly.”

A Competitive History

Redford should know, formerly an excellent dual-sport standout, and might have succeeded on the court also. “Wow, I really hated to lose,” he says, “but in the end I reached a point I had to stop, win or lose. My focus shifted across the court pondering—well, his left sock is coming down. That shoe will harm his skin by the end of the set, but he’s oblivious about the game he doesn’t notice. Next, I’d spot a person in the crowd, and reflect: ‘What is he pondering at this moment? Am I really acting out his dreams?, living his aspiration? By which time I’d already lost!’”

Artistic Ambitions

An earlier interest, possibly his first love, involved brushes. He bummed around across Europe for more than a year in the late fifties, mixing with bohemian crowds, some authentic, some not. He ran out of money while in Italy, yet encountered a mentor organizing a show for his art which paid for getting back to the US. Upon returning, his urge to move took over. Acting became his path, initially on stage, followed by screen, and then movies.

Inside Daisy Clover, another hit, Polonski’s Tell Them Willie Boy is Here, the western, his passion project came one after another. Next is a motorcycle film, centered on bike racing with Michael J Pollard. After that, possibly a movie about modern rodeo. Competition appears dogging him for a while longer.

And what about painting? Redford looks a little uneasy. “Um,” he says, “It’s been dormant recently. That’s the reason I want to pause from acting return to it. But can you really start again? I doubt it. It’s not for fun, is it?. It must become your entire focus. That said, my first visit to London has amazed me regarding art. I feel compelled to create.”

“Observe the sunlight here in London. It’s stunning. Each dawn since arriving I’ve got up early and explored amazed. I’ve never seen anything like it. I need to return before long. Perhaps when Downhill Racer finally opens—should that happen.”

Newman’s Savvy

“Wish I was as savvy as him. He would have ensured that the film wasn’t mishandled like mine has. Take Rachel, Rachel? “Absolutely. Even he can’t always buck the establishment.”