Robert Redford is an American actor, director, producer, environmental activist, philanthropist, and businessman. His expansive career boasts a range of roles in over 50 films, an Academy Award for Best Director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival.
His performances in theatre, television, and film have rightfully given him mega-star status, and it is his continued involvement in the movie industry as both an actor and director that continues to bring prestige and distinction to the annual festival commemorating independent filmmakers across the United States.
In honour of this year’s upcoming Sundance London Film Festival, taking place April 25-28 at the O2, here is a brief - and certainly not exhaustive - look back at some stand-out moments from Redford’s long, and continuing, film career.
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969) - The Sundance Kid
Starring alongside Paul Newman - and effectively sparking a life-long friendship - this film cemented Redford as a bankable movie star in the breakthrough role of the titular Sundance Kid.
The role would end up having a major influence in his later life, founding the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival in Utah and naming it after his character.
The Sting (1973) - Johnny Hooker
This blockbuster crime caper again teamed up the dynamic duo of Redford and Newman, this time playing a pair of con artists in 1930’s Chicago.
Redford received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and the film remains one of the top 20 highest grossing movies of all time when adjusted for inflation.
The Way We Were (1973) - Hubbell
Proving his versatility as an actor, Redford co-starred alongside Barbra Streisand in this hugely popular period drama about two lovers who try to sustain a complicated relationship throughout the years.
The role further cemented Redford’s leading man reputation and added good old-fashioned romance to his lengthening list of genres.
All The President’S Men (1976) - Bob Woodward
Scripted by Butch Cassidy writer William Goldman, this landmark film paired up Redford with Dustin Hoffman as famed reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein attempting to uncover the truth about Watergate.
With Redford as co-star and executive producer, the film attempted to create a realistic portrayal of journalism and reflected his off-screen concern for political causes.
Ordinary People (1980) - Director
Taking a seat behind the camera instead of in front of it, Redford’s directorial debut was a critical success winning a number of Oscars including Best Director.
The film follows the disintegration of an upper class American family and stars Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore.
Indecent Proposal (1993) - John Gage
Forever remembered as the movie where Robert Redford offered Woody Harrelson a million dollars for one night with Demi Moore, this film gave Redford one of his most popular and recognized roles.
Playing the corrupt millionaire who uses bribery to test people’s morals, Redford’s performance made the movie one of the year’s biggest hits.
The Company You Keep (2012) - Jim Grant / Nick Sloan
Most recently, Redford directed and co-starred in this political thriller centered on a former activist who goes on the run after a young journalist, played by Shia LeBeouf, discovers his identity.
Marking the first film with Redford as both director and actor, it has so far won two awards from the Venice Film Festival.
Sundance Film Festival - Founder
No list of accomplishments would be complete without Redford’s founding contribution to the Sundance Institute in 1981, and consequently the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Cinemas, Sundance Catalogue, and the Sundance Channel, all in or around Park City, Utah.
The Sundance Film Festival is now one of the most prestigious events in the movie industry, giving independent filmmakers from around the world a chance to showcase their works.
Redford’s continued involvement and support brings respect and admiration to any Sundance project - even all the way across the pond at Sundance London.
Sundance London is taking from 25th-28th April 2013 at The O2, London. http://www.sundance-london.com/