Downhill Racer

Downhill Racer Videos

2:37

Downhill Racer: Trailer 1

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Downhill Racer Photos

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Cast & Crew

Robert Redford
David Chappellet

Gene Hackman
Eugene Claire

Camilla Sparv
Carole Stahl

Karl Michael Vogler
Machet

Jim McMullan
Johnny Creech

Christian Doermer
Brumm

Kathleen Crowley
American Newspaper Woman

Dabney Coleman
Mayo

Kenneth Kirk
D. K. Bryan

Oren Stevens
Tony Kinsmith

Jerry Dexter
Ron Engel

Walter Stroud
Mr. Chappellet

Carole Carle
Lena

Rip McManus
Bruce Devore

Joe Jay Jalbert
Tommy Erb

Tom J. Kirk
Stiles

Robin Hutton-Potts
Gabriel

Heini Schuler
Meier

Peter Rohr
Boyriven

Arnold Alpiger
Hinsch

Michael Ritchie
Director

Richard Gregson
Producer

James Salter
Screenwriter

Kenyon Hopkins
Original Music

Brian Probyn
Cinematographer

Richard A. Harris
Film Editing

Ian Whittaker
Art Director

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Audience Reviews for Downhill Racer

• Jun 05, 2013

  One of Redford's best as the American ski team tries to shake up the European dominated sport on its home turf. I particularly enjoyed the small town Yank abroad aspect of the piece though the ski sequences are formidable, exhilarating. And it looks as if they shot it last year, not 40+ years ago.
  Super Reviewer
• Aug 20, 2011

  I liked the fact that it went away from the total cliches of most sports films and thought it was interesting to see Redford play such a almost souless person whose entire existence is about going faster and ultimately winning. You can't help but think of Redford as ballsy for putting his good looking charmer clout on the line with performances like this. He is not likable in the least sense, but I enjoyed watching him and kind of understood where he was coming from even if he was being a complete asshole about it. I also loved the way the film was shot almost like a documentary and it made you feel as if you were on the slopes with him whereas now they would just prop him up in front of a green screen and call it a day. Overall, just one of those gems from the period that I don't think will ever rise again.
  Tim S Super Reviewer
• Nov 24, 2009

  <I>Downhill Racer becomes the best movie ever made about sports -- without really being about sports at all.</I> --Roger Ebert-- Robert Redford plays David Chappellet, a cocky, self centered ski racer. His only goal is winning and becoming a champion. He clashes with his coach and teammates. He seems incapable of friendships, relationships, and even communicating with anyone. In the end, Chappellet conquers his goal.
  Super Reviewer
• Sep 10, 2009

  Well crafted film (about to be released on Criterion) about the US ski team in the late 60's. Micheal Ritchie creates a very real film that is almost like watching a Maysles' documentary at times (who could have foreseen he would go on to make movies like Bad News Bears and Fletch). Redford plays a role he perfected in his career, like Roy Hobbs, a no-nonsense talent who just wants to do the job his way without any b.s.. Hackman also portrays a character he would become well known for, the determined coach. Great camerawork and a great ending.
  Grifty G Super Reviewer