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Critics Consensus: Downhill Racer plunges the viewer thrillingly into the action of the sport -- and continues to hold the attention as a thoughtful drama.
Critic Consensus: Downhill Racer plunges the viewer thrillingly into the action of the sport -- and continues to hold the attention as a thoughtful drama.
All Critics (25) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (4) | DVD (4)
A modest effort but a good one. It may be the first film in history that starts at the top, goes steadily downhill, and still stays interesting along the way.
One of the great unheralded films of the late '60s.
Downhill Racer doesn't always work... As a look at how [Robert] Redford's character and those orbiting him spend their time between runs, however, it's superb.
Several shots are positively astonishing when you consider that they are in no way manipulated or digitally altered, simply a man on skis flying down a hill with a 40-pound film camera in his hands.
An intriguing film that balances skiing and the majesty of Alpine scenery with an absorbing story of hero Robert Redford, young American innocent abroad.
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.
The movie avoids the cheerleading approach of today`s sports sagas (Rocky, etc.), but it has a fascinating ending, and is very satisfying.
This skiing potboiler from Robert Redford's production company, Wildwood, has the whiff of vanity about it.
A sports movie that tweaks the formula just enough to make a personal, thoughtful film without refuting genre expectation.
It's the little things that create this film's powerful atmosphere, and as a result the action sequences are all the more gripping.
Redford's matinee looks are more than just Hollywood casting in this context; the film never says it in so many words, but it's clear that Chappellet's popularity is as much for his good looks as for his success.
The sort of somber, minimalist drama that can only be found in the cinema of the late 1960s and early '70s.
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
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.
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.
A movie like this would come out today and just be turned into a video game. I love how the story is straight forward and there a no sport movie cliches, and the end of film is an amazing payoff...great fucking ending!!!
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