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At the time Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hit theaters, the credits showed Newman, Ross, and Redford. These days, the order is different—it’s Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross. Redford, the Sundance Kid, stands as among the biggest new box office properties following Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. Yet, despite his success, he remains largely indifferent.

“Not a Hollywood Man”

“I am not,” he states firmly, “a Hollywood man. Recall that guy who appears William Saroyan’s a classic drama, repeating, ‘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 as if it’s commerce any more, yet they persist exactly that. Movies in their eyes are no different from vacuum cleaners or refrigerators. It disgusts me.”

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Of course, we have heard all this before from aspiring film men. But Redford, who talks very quietly, and honestly doesn’t seem to know at the interest in him, seems truly committed. One of the main reasons due to he devoted nearly two years into making the sports drama realizing taking on studios proved more difficult than the creative process.

This movie, still unreleased in the UK, even though early screenings occurred last year, is out in the US earning critiques that indicate that it is far beyond action on slopes. “Truth be told,” he notes, “the focus is competition and competitors. Which is why I aimed to release it here in Britain as skiing isn’t big here. It’s more likely for it to succeed as a portrayal of character depth rather than just athletic action.”

“Studios preferred to open it where skiing reigns, targeting enthusiasts. But, really… this film where a US athlete getting the top prize in downhill racing. Is that really going to wow them? Goodness, provided that I avoid attending. I’d be torn to pieces.”

Poetry and Danger

“Why downhill racing? I believe the perfect blend beauty and peril, the perfect vehicle to illustrate how athletics affects individuals. It requires being daring to the extreme to participate. After experiencing it, it changes you forever.”

“Imagine all those downhill veterans staying around near current athletes. They are pathetic. They can’t keep still. Nervous habits show the whole time. Physically depleted. Sport can be harsh, both to the sophisticated and the unsophisticated. Often it prepares you inadequately for life, shattering you entirely.”

From Sports to Stardom

Redford should know, in his youth a first-class football and baseball athlete, and could well have made a name as a tennis player too. “Wow, I despised losing,” he says, “finally I got so that continuing was impossible, win or lose. My focus shifted across the court pondering—goodness, his left sock is coming down. His shoe is going to murder his skin by the end of the set, but he’s oblivious about the game he doesn’t notice. Next, I’d spot some spectator or other, and reflect: ‘What the hell is he thinking at this moment? Am I really acting out his dreams?, fighting his fantasy? Then I’d already lost!’”

The Forgotten Canvas

His other love, perhaps secretly his main one, involved brushes. He traveled through European cities extensively back then, interacting with artists, students and intellectuals, pseudo and otherwise. He ran out of money in Florence, but met a teacher who arranged an exhibition of his work which paid for his return trip. Upon returning, his dissatisfaction took over. He ended up an actor, first on Broadway, then television, and finally in films.

Inside Daisy Clover, another hit, Polonski’s Tell Them Willie Boy is Here, Butch Cassidy, and Downhill Racer followed in quick succession. Then came Sidney Furie’s Little Fauss, Big Halsey, a film about motorcycle racing with Michael J Pollard. Later, possibly a movie on cowboy sports. Competition appears dogging him indefinitely.

And what about painting? Redford looks a little uneasy. “So,” he confesses, “I haven’t done it in years. Which is why I need a break from filming and start again. Can one truly reboot? I doubt it. It demands seriousness, is it?. It’s got to be a lifelong commitment. However, being here in London impressed me concerning inspiration. I’m eager to paint.”

“Notice the illumination here in London. It’s absolutely fabulous. Each morning during my stay I rise at dawn strolling in awe. Unprecedented this quality. I’ll be back someday. Maybe once Downhill Racer finally opens—should that happen.”

A Nod to Paul Newman

“Wish I was as savvy as him. He would have ensured that the film received proper treatment like this. What about Rachel, Rachel?? “Indeed. However, Newman can’t constantly defy the industry.”