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Downhill Racer (1969)

Director: Michael Ritchie

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From Time Out Film Guide

Fine first feature from the once wonderful Ritchie, concentrating - as in so much of his work (The Candidate, Smile, Semi-Tough) - on the cost and rewards of winning. Redford is the ambitious skier, out to break all records, and contemptuous of the teamwork advocated by the coach (Hackman) when he goes to Europe for the Olympics. The understated performances and reluctance to emphasise plot result in convincing characterisations, to such an extent that the often narcissistic Redford actually allows himself to come across as a dislikeably selfish, arrogant and icy man. And the location skiing sequences, revealing Ritchie's background and interest in documentary styles, are simply astounding, even for those with little interest in the sport.

Author: GA 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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Cast & crew

Director: Michael Ritchie

Producer: Richard Gregson

Cast: Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Camilla Sparv, Joe Jay Jalbert, Timothy Kirk, Dabney Coleman, Karl Michael Vogler full cast

Genre(s): Action/Adventure

Duration: 101 mins

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