Robert Redford his died, and one of cinema’s greats has left us. Capable as an actor and director, he made and appeared in numerous seminal works of cinema and was one of the most recognisable and respected presences in Hollywood and beyond.
Redford’s gift to the world of cinema, beyond his films as an actor and director, was the establishment of the Sundance Institute and its rightly renowned film festival. Turning the spotlight away from himself, setting the stage for countless other talents was a considerable and commendable achievement. The Independent film industry would be unrecognisable without the work of Redford and the Institute. Today we can celebrate a cinematic landscape in rude health, voiced by thousands who would not otherwise have had the opportunity.
One of his last noted film roles was in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where he was beaten up by Jenny Agutter, but it was his work as an environmentalist that took up much of his time. A long-time cause of the actor, it would be remiss not to link to The Redford Center who will be feeling his loss greatly today.
Speaking to Rolling Stone four years ago, Redford was asked what advice he would give to his younger self, but it’s easy to imagine he was speaking to us all,
I’d probably say always look for the truth, even though truths can be elusive. I’m always inspired by the words of T.S. Eliot: “For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business.” So maybe, “Just follow your instincts and keep searching for the truth.
So, time to take your pick – All the President’s Men, The Sting, Out of Africa, or maybe a spin with Butch and Sundance. Watch them all in his honour. But here’s a treat if you’ve not seen it – Gene Saks’ screen adaptation of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park is one of the funniest screen comedies ever, with Jane Fonda and Redford matching physical and verbal comedies like no other. It’s a joy, one of many he left us with.
A legend passes, and leaves a great legacy behind. Thank you, Mr. Dooley.
