RIP ROBERT REDFORD…
Shocking and sad news for movie fans…one of the all-time greats has passed away…Robert Redford, one of cinema’s greats, has died.
As reported by The Guardian:
Robert Redford, star of Hollywood classics including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were with Barbra Streisand, The Sting and All the President’s Men, has died aged 89.
In a statement to the New York Times, his publicist said the actor died in his sleep at his home in Utah.
Redford was one of the defining movie stars of the 1970s, crossing with ease between the Hollywood new wave and the mainstream film industry, before also becoming an Oscar-winning director and producer in the ensuing decades. He played a key role in the establishment of American independent cinema by co-founding the Sundance film festival, which acted as a platform for films such as Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project, Donnie Darko, Fruitvale Station and Coda.
One of his first smash hits teamed him with Paul Newman:
The 1969 western “Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid” is a brilliant movie and made both Actors superstars, because both Actors exude stardom in every scene…
The duo re-teamed for the Best Picture of 1973, “The Sting”:
His career was a mix of mainstream blockbustesr like “The Way We Were” with Barbra Streisand, and more eclectic, personal films like “Ordinary People”, where he made his directorial debut with the 1980 film. He won an Academy Award for Best Director. The film also won Best Picture and several other Oscars.
And speaking of an important movie that only came together because of Redford’s clout, how one about the most important political films ever made – and just one of the best movies EVER – from the most important nonfiction political thriller of all time:
“All The President’s Men”
This is a masterwork from everyone involved, turning this blockbuster book into an amazing cinematic achievement. Kudos to Director Alan J. Pakula, Writers Carl Bernstein Bob Woodward and Screenwriter William Goldman, along with stars Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jason Robards, Hal Holbrook and Jack Warden.
Here is the trailer:
In the run-up to the 1972 elections, Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward covers what seems to be a minor break-in at the Democratic Party National headquarters at the Watergate apartment complex. He is surprised to find top lawyers already on the defense case, and the discovery of names and addresses of Republican fund organizers on the accused further arouses his suspicions. The editor of the Post is prepared to run with the story and assigns Woodward and Carl Bernstein to it. They find the trail leading higher and higher in the Republican Party, and eventually into the White House itself.
It’s hard to imagine it was only 40 years ago that President Nixon resigned in disgrace, and this book was the reason…the movie captures how the Watergate break-in was uncovered by two young, industrious reporters for one of the world’s greatest newspapers..but there were many roadblocks.
This is a perfect film, an intelligent thriller about politics, coverups, and the incredible pressure this entire group of people were all under as they uncovered more and more layers of guilt, leading to the President himself…
Again, credit goes to Robert Redford for using his star power to get this film made…Warner Brothers agreed to finance the film only on condition that Robert Redford – then the number one box office star in the world – starred as Bob Woodward.
One scene involving Robert Redford on the phone is done in a continuous six-minute single take with the camera tracking in slowly. Towards the end Redford makes a mistake – he calls the phone caller by the wrong name – but as he stays in character it simply appears genuine and this was the take used in the final cut!
Here’s a look at another prescient film he starred in about the Presidency…click here to read about his brilliant role in “The Candidate”:
Later in his career, he chose his movie roles carefully…including this riveting film from 2013:
Redford takes on the entire film by himself: it’s the story of a man who is lost in the middle of the ocean on a slowly sinking sailboat…it’s a powerful film and he is mesmerizing:
You can see the movie trailer and a closer look at the film by clicking on mis tory here:
RIP to Robert Redford…a brilliant career…
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Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
He was one of the greats. Thank you for this tribute, John.
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He was my favourite actor of all time, John. I was sad to read he’d passed away. For me the best of his films are Out of Africa, The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Horse Whisperer.
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Not only was Redford a fantastic actor, he came across as someone you’d like to have a beer with.
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That’s the perfect way to put it – Newman was the same!
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What a great actor, rip
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One of the best. I love all his movies but my favourite is Jeremiah Johnson. He will be missed.
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A sad loss indeed, but what a great life he had, and a terrific legacy left behind. Loved by so many fans, and decades of acting in some great films. I’m going with ‘Jeremiah Johnson’ as my personal favourite. Thanks for the lovely tribute, John.
Best wishes, Pete.
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