ROBERT REDFORD, DIRECTOR

Robert Redford left this old world at 89,  having left behind a storied career as an actor, director and the developer of the Sundance Film Festival. It seems unbelievable now, but back in 1980 there were mostly doubters about Redford’s ability to direct. There were many catcalls when the “too pretty” Redford was selected to direct Judith Guest’s Ordinary People. 

Ordinary People (1980) is top ten stuff, a wonderful film. Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton and Judd Hirsch lead a stellar cast in the story of a family’s desolate tragedy.  Redford won the Oscar for Best Director for this superb first effort, forever squelching any idea he was just another pretty face. And the movie won for Best Picture.  Timothy Hutton won the acting Oscar as Conrad, tormented by his inability to save his older brother in a sailing accident.  Donald Sutherland as the father and Judd Hirsch as the psychologist are also excellent. But it is Mary Tyler Moore who floors us, plucked by Redford from her outstanding career as a TV comedy actor, and  just totally good as the mother in denial. 

Quiz Show (1994) is a quirky microcosm of a society that puts too much value on money and success and not enough on what matters. John Turturro as a sore-loser whistle-blower and Ralph Fiennes as the fallen saint, Charles Van Doren, lead a fine cast and  Redford gets the most from them.  Redford was again nominated for Best Director but lost out to Robert Zemeckis for Forrest Gump.  

A River Runs Through It (1992) is  Redford’s faithful and winning adaptation of the Norman Maclean novella, and introduced the charismatic Brad Pitt as one of two disparate brothers whose only real tie is now their minister-father (Tom Skerritt) and fly-fishing. The gorgeous cinematography of the Montana countryside garnered an Oscar.

The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) involves a group of dirt-poor New Mexican farmers refusing to bow down to a brutish and powerful developer. The ensemble cast of mostly Hispanic actors is quite good, and  Redford develops a tone that is so winning and enjoyable we are swept along. And once again there is gorgeous photography, a Redford trademark.

Robert. Redford took a turn at directing himself in the offbeat The Horse Whisperer (1997) based on Nicholas Evans’ story of a traumatized young girl and a cowboy who heals damaged horses. The love interest is Kirstin Scott Thomas, who is excellent, as are Chris Cooper and Diane Wiest as the brother and sister-in-law.  Two Redford specialties are readily apparent here: beautiful scenery and absolute fidelity to the story on which the film is based. 

The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), is a well-intentioned misfire. It is worth a look for the performances of Will Smith and Matt Damon and the beautiful photographyThe story involves a golf tournament funded by a wealthy woman. Smith is the mysterious Bagger Vance who suddenly shows up to caddy for the underdog local, played by Matt Damon. But it is easily the least of Mr. Redford’s directorial efforts.

All of these films are suitable for children 12 and up.