I am a long-time fan of Robert Redford, one of the last true movie stars, and have admired his incredible career spanning over 50 years. Now retired from the big screen, it’s a fitting time to celebrate his vast contributions to cinema. Redford’s extensive filmography, which you can view here, showcases his remarkable versatility as an actor, producer, and director.
Before diving into my list of the Top Ten Best Redford Films, here are some fascinating facts about the “Sundance Kid”:
FACTS
- Full name: Charles Robert Redford, Jr., nickname: Bob
- Born: August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, CA.
- Early life: He was a pitcher on the University of Colorado baseball team before losing his scholarship due to drinking.
- Career roles: Redford is a man of many hats: actor, writer, director, producer, and narrator.
- Entrepreneurial ventures: He founded Sundance Ski Resort in Utah in the early 1960s by purchasing two acres for $500.
- Sundance Film Festival: Redford founded this festival to support up-and-coming filmmakers.
- Personal life: He has been married twice: Lola (1958-1985) and Sibylle (2009-present). He has three grown children: Shauna, Jamie (who passed away in 2020), and Amy.
- Advocacy: Redford is an environmental conservationist and is known for his liberal political views.
My Pick of Robert Redford’s 10 Best Films of All Time
- The Candidate
- Downhill Racer
- The Natural
- Barefoot in the Park
- All the President’s Men
- Ordinary People
- The Sting
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- Out of Africa
- The Way We Were
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Do you agree or disagree with my list? Other contenders include The Horse Whisperer and Electric Horseman.
ACTOR
Robert Redford’s acting career is nothing short of legendary. His on-screen presence and charisma have captivated audiences for decades. Redford first gained significant attention with his role in “Barefoot in the Park” (1967), opposite Jane Fonda. However, it was his portrayal of the Sundance Kid in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) that catapulted him to stardom. Redford continued to solidify his place in Hollywood with memorable performances in films like “The Sting” (1973), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and “All the President’s Men” (1976), where he played journalist Bob Woodward. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from romantic dramas like “The Way We Were” (1973), c0-staring with Barbra Streisand, to sports classics like “The Natural” (1984), showcases his versatile talent and enduring appeal.
PRODUCER
Beyond his success as an actor, Redford has made significant contributions to the film industry as a producer. In 1980, he founded the Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. This initiative led to the creation of the Sundance Film Festival, which has become one of the most prestigious platforms for independent filmmakers worldwide. Through Sundance, Redford has championed numerous groundbreaking films and provided a voice to underrepresented storytellers. His production company, Wildwood Enterprises, has also produced various critically acclaimed films, including “Ordinary People” (1980), which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
DIRECTOR
As a director, Robert Redford has demonstrated a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of human emotion. His directorial debut, “Ordinary People” (1980), was met with critical acclaim and earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. This film, a poignant exploration of family dynamics and personal tragedy, set the tone for Redford’s directing style: nuanced, character-driven narratives with a focus on authenticity. He continued to direct notable films such as “A River Runs Through It” (1992), “Quiz Show” (1994), and “The Horse Whisperer” (1998). Redford’s directorial work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, strong performances, and the ability to draw profound emotions from everyday life. Through his diverse roles in the film industry, Redford has left an indelible mark, influencing countless filmmakers and enriching the cinematic landscape.
Do you have a favorite Redford film? Please comment below.
Kebba Buckley Button
Anne, Three Days of the Condor is #1 or #2 on my list. The Candidate is the other, either #2 or #1. Both of these works transformed the way I thought about how the World works. Of course, there is always room for relationship movies and light romps. But I am still thinking about TDOTC and The Candidate, fifty years later. Redford’s creation of the Sundance Festival also transformed society, and even his Sundance retail catalog makes a statement.
Anne Z
I love both Three Days of the Condor and The Candidate. So many good ones. I was able to finally visit Sundance in person.
Did some skiing in the winter and the awesome zip line in the summer. Walked around and loved the vibe. You can see Redford’s
place on the hill. He bought all that land early on to keep developers out. I agree with all his statements! Love him. Thanks for commenting.