Downhill Racer (1969)

Directed by Michael Ritchie. Starring Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Camilla Sparv, Karl Michael Vogler, Kathleen Crowley, Jim McMullan, Dabney Coleman, Kenneth Kirk. [PG]

Credible, exciting, and sometimes troubling account of American competitive downhill skier Redford, committed to winning and individual glory over that of his ski team. None of the star’s natural charisma shines through the cold, hollow competitor, which is necessary in painting a portrait of someone who would truly dare to be the best in the world at a sport (who could devote nearly every waking minute to perfecting a specific craft if they had a fulfilling private life and interpersonal relationships?). The skiing scenes can be electrifying (especially those POV shots), but this is the rare sports film whose headiest moments come during the “down time.” Sparv makes for a lifeless beauty that Redford pursues, but Hackman rates a strong supporting performance as the team coach. Directorial debut for Ritchie, who replaced the initially-attached Roman Polanski. Try to spot Sylvester Stallone as an extra in the restaurant scene (his first film appearance).

75/100