Downhill Racer (1969)
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Cast
as David Chappellet
as Eugene Claire
as Carole Stahl
as Johnny Creech
as Machet
as Brumm
as American Newspaperwoman
as Mayo
as D.K. Bryan
as Tony Kipsmith
as Ron Engel
as Mr. Chappellet, Davis's Father
as Lena
as Bruce Devore
as Tommy Erb
as Stiles
as Gabriel
as Meier
as Boyriven
as Hinsch
as Haas
as Istel
as Selznick
as Spectator
as Ron Engel
as TV Announcer
as Austrian Journalist
as Helgerson
as Oliviera
as Journalist
as Skier No. 16
as Jeanine
as Announcer
as Hotel Receptionist
as Candy Vendor
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Critic Reviews for Downhill Racer
All Critics (15) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (12) | Rotten (3) | DVD (5)
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 best movie ever made about sports -- without really being about sports at all.
The sort of somber, minimalist drama that can only be found in the cinema of the late 1960s and early '70s.
It's better than most sports films since it avoids sentimentality and falsely romanticizing its unsympathetic egotistical hero.
... the downhill runs are shot and edited with a visceral quality that takes us off the sidelines and into the skier's perspective.
Audience Reviews for Downhill Racer
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.
Super Reviewer
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.
Super Reviewer
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