Search - Biography - Robert Redford: Hollywood Outlaw on DVD

Mary H. from WAYCROSS, GA
Reviewed on 1/31/2010...

If you love Robert Redford, you'll love this DVD.

Outstanding Biography!!!!

Rebecca J. Davis | Raleigh, NC United States | 09/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just finished viewing this movie and it was fantastic! If you want to know more about Redford's career, I highly recommend this biography. I have followed his movies/career for the past 30 years and was pleased to be able to gain greater insight into his talents as an actor, director, and leader in environmental issues.
This is a jewel of a movie!!!! I think even Redford would be pleased!"

Left Politics Downplayed!

Jeffery Mingo | Homewood, IL USA | 04/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If I remember correctly, the Ancient Greek playwright Euripides had everything. He was rich, handsome, famous, and lived a long life. That fact flashed through my mind as I watched this documentary on Robert Redford. I don't want to diminish the pain he must have felt about the death of his first child or his divorce. However, he is handsome, famous, a success at most things, a pioneer, an Oscar winner, articulate, and well-loved. He practically has it all. If there are deities, they really hooked him up in every department!

This episode of "Biography" was 90 minutes, rather than the typical 60. I wonder if this is a sign that the makers just loved their subject. Sometimes I got bored hearing, "first he made this movie, then he made that one." However, I was shocked and impressed to learn that he invented the Sundance Film Festival and created the "Incident at Oglala" documentary.

The film notes, as many others have, that Redford is yesterday's Brad Pitt. Just like Pitt, he avoids talking about his good looks. This biography also made me think he has much in common with Russell Crowe, and possibly Jude Law. Both Crowe and Redford seem to play many roles that take place in the past. There were too few shirtless shots of Redford in this work.

My biggest disappointment with this documentary is how they watered down Redford's progressivism. They call him "a political activist." However, he is a LEFTWING political activist. He supports environmentalism and indigenous people's rights; he is even chums with former Senator Bill Bradley. Very briefly, they show Redford calling himself Dan Quayle years after Quayle was no longer in office. However, back in 1987, it was a huge deal that Quayle was said to be like Redford and Redford openly condemned this comparison, given the men's opposite sides on the political spectrum. So I really think the biographers were not as truthful as they should have been because they did not want to upset or wanted to appease right-wing viewers and fans. This felt like a sign of cowardice in stark contrast to the outspoken nature of their subject."

Intimate and Revealing

Maurene Coe | Warren, Ohio | 04/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a treasure! If you want to know Redford at his best and most vulnerable, this production is a gem! I've collected his movies, but never "knew" him until now, and I like and respect him even more. He is easy to watch and generously shares his intimate thoughts and perspectives on politics and life. He is deeply sensitive, intelligent, and passionate about many things, and a gifted movie maker. You will enjoy owning this Biography of such a fine actor, director. Don't hesitate!"