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Back when Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hit theaters, the top cast listing showed Redford alongside Newman and Ross. These days, the order is different—it’s Newman, Redford, then Ross. The actor, famed for his role, stands as among the biggest male leads following the era of McQueen. Yet, despite his success, he couldn’t really care less.

Redford’s Stance on Hollywood

“I am not,” he says determinedly, “a Hollywood man. Recall that figure who walks in and out Saroyan’s famous work The Time of Your Life, who says, ‘Everything’s unstable—from top to bottom’? That’s, that’s what I feel regarding the film industry. It’s impossible to manage a creative medium like manufacturing these days, and they’re still trying to. Films to them are just like vacuum cleaners or refrigerators. The approach sickens me.”

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Of course, actors often claim such sentiments from rising stars. However, Redford, speaking softly, and honestly doesn’t seem to know why anyone should want to interview him, seems truly committed. One of the main reasons due to he put almost two years into a film called the sports drama realizing taking on studios was an even harder job than filming itself.

The film, still unreleased in the UK, in spite of the fact test showings occurred last year, has been released in the US garnering responses implying it’s far beyond than a skiing spectacular. “Truth be told,” he notes, “it explores competition and competitors. Which is why I want to open it in London is because Brits aren’t avid skiers. The odds are better of it surviving here as a study of human nature as opposed to sports footage.”

“They wanted to release it in Austria, targeting enthusiasts. In truth… my project which shows an American competitor earning the top prize in the downhill event. Isn’t that going to wow them? Goodness, provided that I stay away. I’d be torn to pieces.”

Poetry and Danger

“Why downhill racing? Because it seems to me the perfect blend of grace and risk, the best way to portray how athletics affects individuals. One must be daring to the extreme to even attempt it. Having tried it, you are never quite the same again.”

“Imagine aging skiers lingering around the boys doing it now. They seem lost. Restless constantly. Fidgeting endlessly continuously. They’re worn out. Competition proves brutal, both to the sophisticated and the unsophisticated. Frequently it fits you inadequately for life, shattering you entirely.”

Redford’s Athletic Past

Redford should know, formerly a first-class dual-sport standout, and could well have made a name as a tennis player also. “Christ, defeat frustrated me,” he recalls, “eventually it got to where I just couldn’t go on, regardless of outcome. I’d often observe at my opponent and think—well, his left sock is coming down. His footwear will chafe his foot soon, yet he’s so focused about the game he doesn’t notice. Next, I’d spot a person in the crowd, and think: ‘What is he pondering right now? Am I merely just an extension of him?, living his aspiration? Then the game was gone!’”

Artistic Ambitions

Another passion, maybe his true calling, was art. He bummed around across Europe for over a year back then, meeting artists, students and intellectuals, some authentic, some not. He became broke in that beautiful city, yet encountered a mentor that set up a show for his art covering his transportation back home. When he got back, his urge to move resurfaced. He turned to acting, initially on stage, followed by screen, and finally in films.

Projects like Daisy Clover, Barefoot In the Park, Polonski’s Tell Them Willie Boy is Here, Butch Cassidy, his passion project followed in quick succession. Up next was Sidney Furie’s Little Fauss, Big Halsey, depicting speed and rivalry with Michael J Pollard. Subsequently, maybe a project on latter-day rodeo riding. Competition appears dogging him for some time to come.

Did he return to canvases? He seems hesitant. “So,” he confesses, “I haven’t done it recently. That’s the reason I’d like to take a rest from acting return to it. But can you really start again? I doubt it. It’s not a hobby, you see. It requires your entire focus. However, being here in London has stunned me regarding art. It’s made me itch to pick up a brush.”

“Look at the light in this place. It’s stunning. Every day during my stay I’ve got up early and explored in awe. Unprecedented anything like it. I’ll be back again soon. Maybe once Downhill Racer finally opens—assuming it does.”

A Nod to Paul Newman

“If only I were as savvy as him. He would have ensured that the film wasn’t mishandled like mine has. Consider his work? “Yes, of course. But he too struggles against the industry.”