Robert Redford carved out a legendary career, becoming synonymous with movie stardom in the latter half of the 20th century. With his captivating looks and intense blue eyes, he enchanted audiences in beloved 1960s and ’70s classics such as ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,’ ‘The Sting,’ and ‘The Way We Were.’ Beyond his powerful on-screen presence, Redford was equally influential behind the camera, directing critically acclaimed films like ‘Ordinary People’ and ‘Quiz Show,’ and championing projects like ‘All the President’s Men.’
Throughout his impressive career, Redford consistently explored themes of American ideals and institutional failures. Dive into some of his most remarkable contributions to cinema with this guide to his best streaming titles.
1967
‘Barefoot in the Park’
Redford originated the role of the anxious newlywed, Paul Bratter, in Neil Simon’s Broadway hit. In the film adaptation, he stars opposite Jane Fonda, whose free-spirited Corie challenges Paul’s buttoned-up nature in their quirky Greenwich Village apartment. Despite its dated ‘battle of the sexes’ premise, the film brilliantly showcases Redford and Fonda’s budding star power. Fonda is vivacious and whimsical, while Redford is a charming bundle of nerves. This film stands as an early testament to Redford’s often-overlooked comedic talent, where he delightfully plays against the confident persona he would later embody.
1969
‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’
If Robert Redford had a cinematic kindred spirit, it was undoubtedly Paul Newman. Their iconic partnership began with this irreverent Western, helmed by director George Roy Hill and penned by William Goldman. Legend has it that the studio initially sought a bigger star to pair with Newman, who played Butch Cassidy. However, Redford himself recalled Newman’s steadfast advocacy for his casting. ‘That generosity really struck me hard, that he could be that generous and have that kind of integrity,’ Redford once shared. ‘And then as the film went on, we both pushed aside our movie personas and just became friends.’ This genuine off-screen bond is palpable on screen, where the outlaw duo exhibits the natural chemistry of a long-married couple, with Redford’s laconic Sundance providing the perfect counterpoint to Newman’s irrepressible Butch.
1972
‘The Candidate’
Years after its debut, Michael Ritchie’s ‘The Candidate,’ written by Jeremy Larner, continues to be lauded for its uncanny foresight into the American political landscape. Larner himself once suggested the film ‘inspired’ figures like Dan Quayle, and more recently, a New York Times reporter drew parallels between its ending and Donald J. Trump’s surprising rise to power in 2016. Redford stars as Bill McKay, the idealistic son of a governor, reluctantly recruited to run for the Senate as a Democrat against an entrenched Republican incumbent. The film meticulously charts the campaign’s trajectory as the sincere and well-meaning Bill is gradually molded and compromised by the political machine, eventually embracing the vague platitudes that define modern politics. In a poignant scene, as he recites these empty promises in the back of a car, Redford’s performance subtly reveals the chilling deadening of Bill’s eyes.
1973
‘The Sting’
Redford reunited with both Paul Newman and director George Roy Hill for ‘The Sting,’ the Academy Award-winning Best Picture. In this stylish caper set during the Depression era, the pair portray two con men orchestrating an elaborate scam against a menacing Irish mob boss, masterfully played by Robert Shaw. Driven by the infectious tunes of Scott Joplin’s ‘The Entertainer,’ the film once again showcases the unparalleled charisma of its two lead stars working in perfect harmony. Redford’s Johnny Hooker recruits the seasoned, yet down-on-his-luck, Henry Gondorff, played by Newman, for a high-stakes horse betting scheme. Their initial, almost begrudging partnership blossoms into a deep, genuine camaraderie. In the film’s climactic twist, even as Redford’s character appears gravely wounded, a flicker of light in his eyes as he looks at Newman speaks to a bond as authentic as any ever depicted on screen.
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