Robert Redford
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User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1276713949)
Winner of the Life Time Achievement Award at the 2002 Oscar ceremony, founder of the Sundance Film Festival, environmentalist, director and famous actor, Robert Redford has had a massive impact on Hollywood since his first break in the 1962 film ''War Hunt''. The combination of Redford's blond hair and dashing looks assisted in turning him in to a famous leading man (a stereotype Redford himself was concerned with) followed by his acting which took him to fame. He was often paired with Paul Newman in films like ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'', and the two actors complimented each other, ultimately turning Redford into a bankable star and cementing his screen image as the intelligent, reliable, sometimes sardonic good guy. Redford received positive feedback for almost all of his work, and was one of the most famous stars of the 1970s.
Popular Redford Films
'''''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid''''' - This 1969 Western film marks the original pairing of Redford and Newman and played a huge role in bringing them both to fame. In the film, Reford plays the character of Harry Longabaugh, a young bank robber known as "the sundance kid," who matures through his close friendship with his partner Butch Cassidy (played by Paul Newman). Redford won the Best Actor Academy Award for his amazing performance in this film (his costar was also nominated), securing Redford's place in Hollywood and representing one of his many influences on the industry. This would have been an entertaining film regardless of Redford's performance, but both he and Newman were able to successfully take this film to a new level.
'''''The Candidate''''' - In this 1972 film, Redford plays a young political novice named Bill McKay who learns about how the race for a seat in the Senate develops. The film deals with issues of political corruption and the overall pointlessness of politics through the guise of this young character. Redford's performance in the film was applauded by almost all critics and adds an interesting comic spin on some of the more serious moments in the film. It is a perfect example of a the type of performance and character that was able to make Robert Redford such a successful star.
'''''The Great Gatsby''''' - Reford plays the title character of Jay Gastby in this 1974 romantic drama based off of F. Scott Fitzgerald's beloved book. Although both the directors attempt to stay close to the book and Redford's performance were praised, the film itself received mixed reviews: many people felt it didn't embrace the feel of the Jazz Age enough. That being said, Redford takes on a slightly different character than his normal one in this film and still offers up a stunning performance.
'''''All the Presidents Men''''' - In this 1976 film that tells the story of two journalists investigating the Watergate Scandal for the Washington Post, Redford plays the character of Bob Woodward, one of the lead investigators on the case. The film gives detailed accounts of Redford's character's meetings with his famous source, "Deep Throat," who's identity was kept secret for over 30 years. Both the film and Redford's performance were critically acclaimed and Redford's depiction of Bob Woodward is impressively accurate.
'''''The Natural''''' - This 1984 baseball film stars Redford in the role of Roy Hobbs and tells the story of his life and of how it is constantly intertwined with baseball. A Robert Redford classic, this movie was nominated for four Academy Awards and the role of Roy Hobbs is one of Redford's most well known. This is a great movie to watch with the family and highlights Robert Redford and many of the reasons why Redford was, and still is, so popular.
* Some other popular Redford films include ''
An Unfinished Life.''
Quick Picks
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Romantic Dramas
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Paul Newman
