Robert Redford’s five greatest performances
Today, Hollywood and the rest of the world alongside it mourns the loss of Robert Redford. Truly one of the film industries greatest leading men, he will be deeply missed by all.
The actor, director, and one of the co-founders of Sundance Film Festival, passed away in his sleep on September 16th. He is said to have been at peace. Cindi Berger, the chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers and Cowan PMK informed the New York Times that Redford passed away in “the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” before adding he “will be missed greatly”.
Redford leaves behind a legacy that other Hollywood legends can only pine for. His commitment to the screen and to the industry that he loved was truly commendable. Whether it was on or off camera, Redford persistently gave his all. He directed great films, helped shine a light on the undersold triumph that is independent cinema, and also delivered performances that captured the hearts of millions. Here, we’re going to focus specifically on the latter.
Throughout his decades spent basking in the well-earned limelight, Redford found a place in many a great movie, delivering what can only be described as unforgettable performances in the process. As we mourn, let’s also take a moment to consider five of his very best, as we remember one of the best actors to ever grace the silver screen.
Robert Redford’s five greatest performances:
‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’
Who knows which of the movie-making gods Robert Redford was praying to in order to land a breakout role this spectacular, but whoever it was, they answered, and Redford heeded the call. Movie lovers today continue to consider Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid a classic, and there are plenty of reasons for this, but one of the most dominant is Redford’s excellent performance.
It’s pretty often to hear that one of the biggest aspects of acting is reacting, and Redford delivers a bloody masterclass in this throughout the film’s runtime. The way he practically fucking bounces off Paul Newman is mesmerising, and I won’t here otherwise. He delivered a maddening amount of charisma with every second he was on the screen, which led to audiences around the world (and me) falling in love with him. From the most seasoned film critic to the most novice of cinema-goers, anyone could see that Redford was a star in the making.
‘The Sting’
The Sting was released in 1973, and its acclaim was pretty apparent, given it won an Oscar and saw Robert Redford nominated for best actor. This is during a period that many would describe as the golden age of cinema, and so for it to receive such recognition against stiff competition is a great reflection of how outstanding Redford’s performance was.
If you’re a fan of a good crime thriller then this film truly has everything. Revenge? Yes. Cunning? Of course. Unlikely alliances? Also yes. Redford is able to take on the role of Johnny Hooker better than any other actor will have been able to, giving the viewer something deeply captivating that kept them on the edge of their seat.
‘The Old Man & The Gun’
One thing that was incredibly commendable about Robert Redford was his commitment to constantly pushing himself creatively. A lesser actor would have been happy peaking when they were young and then spending the rest of their career picking up mediocre parts that could help pay the bills, but not Robert. Up until his very last film, The Old Man & The Gun, Redford continued taking on roles that allowed him to flex his acting muscles.
How on earth do you make a bank robber so bloody likeable? In his portrayal of Forrest Tucker, Redford was able to give off a once in a lifetime masterclass that made him appear kind hearted, despite his questionable career choices. Sharing the screen alongside other acting greats such as Danny Glover, Redford went out with the same charisma that people had fallen in love with time and time again. A truly wonderful swansong.
‘All Is Lost’
Another one of his later roles came in the form of All Is Lost, a film that posed a real acting challenge for Redford as it was only a 30 page script that consisted mainly of silence. We really see the range of Redford here, as his silence throughout the picture manages to carry over into a mesmerising performance.
This was a highlight for Redford, who relished the challenge posed by the unconventional script. “I was attracted to the fact that there was no dialogue. I liked the idea there were no special effects,” said Redford, “It was a very low-budget film, very independent in its spirit and its budget. And because I felt that it was more of a pure cinematic experience the way films used to be, maybe even going back to silent films.”
‘The Candidate’
Movies about politics and the complicated world which surrounds it are always going to be exciting and subsequently will appeal to audiences around the world. Because of the way they draw people in, many a great actor has previously portrayed a politician; however, very few have delivered a performance like Redford in The Candidate.
As he runs for senate in this captivating tale, Redford manages to deliver a performance that makes us feel as though we are watching a true political campaign. His frustration, passion, and overall demeanour feel like that which exists behind the curtain of real life politics.
