Downhill Racer

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.