R.I.P. Robert Redford (1936-2025)
What can we possibly add to all the countless eulogies already posted?
When legendary movie stars pass away, they bequeath us with the indelible memories of their films and performances.
Redford did that of course, but so much more. As a director, he also left us with films as unforgettable as those he starred in.
And he did what so few of us aspire to......to somehow leave the world a better place in whatever way we can.
In creating the Sundance Film Festival, Redford provided a showcase and a haven for brilliant, creative cinema talent from the U.S. and around the world. And new generations of actors, writers and directors were give the opportunity to make their unique voices heard......and their movies seen.
Its especially sad that in these darkest of times, we've lost someone who stood as one the shining lights in public life.....to put it simply.....one of the good guys.
Everyone's weighed in on their favorite Redford films, so here's a few of ours, in no particular order.....
3 Days of the Condor (1975) One of the best of the 70's 'government paranoia thrillers. Character actor Hank Garrett (the mailman-assassin) paid tribute to Redford and their spectacular fight scene, one of the best ever in movies.
The Hot Rock (1972) Hilarious caper, with Redford's perfect deadpan reactions to all the craziness surrounding him.....and keeping a straight face as he delivers, "Afghanistan Bananastan"
Legal Eagles (1986) A rom-com thriller is not an easy genre to pull off, but somehow Redford made it look effortless and fun. We realize hardly anyone remembers or cares about this film but it came around during a great time in our own life and we loved it. And what hell....it's our blog, right?
Barefoot In The Park (1967) In the role he originated on Broadway, Redford delivers hundreds of Neil Simon gag lines with precise timing and makes a perfect foil for his new manic pixie dream bride played by Jane Fonda... (a life long friend and frequent co-star.)
The Chase (1966) The very guiltiest of our Guilty Pleasures. Redford made an impact even when part of a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble cast - Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda, Robert Duvall, Angie Dickinson, E.G. Marshall. As a hard luck escaped convict and former hometown rebel bad boy, he's the engine that propels the film's over-the-top melodramatics. And his final scene (shown above) remains a shocking, stunning conclusion to a film already ahead of its time in nihilistic carnage.R.I.P. to a cinema giant.
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