{"id":93293,"date":"2023-11-16T21:31:51","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T04:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=93293"},"modified":"2023-12-30T14:25:00","modified_gmt":"2023-12-30T21:25:00","slug":"downhill-racer-1969","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=93293","title":{"rendered":"Downhill Racer (1969)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;A good racer turns everybody on &#8212; but he&#8217;s not for the team, and he never will be.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Poster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Poster-202x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"202\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-93294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Poster-202x300.png 202w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Poster-86x128.png 86w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Poster-181x270.png 181w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Poster.png 616w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 202px) 100vw, 202px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhen a cocky American skier (Robert Redford) arrives in Switzerland to train with an Olympics-level coach (Gene Hackman), he falls for an attractive secretary (Camilla Sparv) and struggles to connect with his fellow teammates.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gene Hackman Films<\/li>\n<li>Michael Ritchie Films<\/li>\n<li>Olympics<\/li>\n<li>Robert Redford Films<\/li>\n<li>Sports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nDirector Michael Ritchie&#8217;s cinematic debut &#8212; prior to helming <a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=93320\"><em>Prime Cut<\/em> (1972)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=93485\"><em>The Candidate<\/em> (1972)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=8485\"><em>Smile<\/em> (1975)<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=2159\"><em>The Bad News Bears<\/em> (1976)<\/a> &#8212; was this insider&#8217;s glimpse into Olympics-level skiing, complete with novel (at the time) filming from the perspective of someone on the slopes. James Salter&#8217;s screenplay (based on a 1963 novel by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oakley_Hall\">Oakley Hall<\/a>) focuses on Redford&#8217;s isolating arrogance, perhaps having emerged from his cold, no-nonsense father (Walter Stroud), who doesn&#8217;t understand his son&#8217;s desire to be a &#8220;champion&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father-1024x555.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"347\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father-1024x555.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father-128x69.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father-768x416.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father-498x270.png 498w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Skiier-Father.png 1165w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The primary tension in the storyline stems from Redford&#8217;s interactions with Hackman, who is frustrated by Redford&#8217;s arrogance and wants to convince him to be more of a team-player.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4-1024x556.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"348\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4-1024x556.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4-128x69.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4-768x417.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4-497x270.png 497w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Coach4.png 1177w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We see Redford drawn to the allure of a gorgeous but shallow &#8220;sports groupie&#8221; (Sparv): <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv-1024x553.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"346\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv-1024x553.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv-128x69.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv-768x415.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv-500x270.png 500w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Sparv.png 1175w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; with some odd connections hinted at regarding whether Redford might be sapping his &#8220;strength&#8221; by sleeping with her. Regardless, the main thing on display in this film is gorgeous location shooting (in Switzerland, France, and Austria): <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape-1024x544.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"340\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape-1024x544.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape-300x159.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape-128x68.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape-768x408.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape-508x270.png 508w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Scenic-Landscape.png 1172w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a> <\/p>\n<p>&#8230; exciting race sequences: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race-1024x547.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"342\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race-1024x547.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race-300x160.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race-128x68.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race-768x410.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race-505x270.png 505w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Skiing-Race.png 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; and a seemingly authentic glimpse into the minutiae of high-stakes competitive skiing. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up-1024x558.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"349\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up-1024x558.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up-128x70.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up-768x418.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up-496x270.png 496w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Bus-Up.png 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> The score (by Kenyon Hopkins) seems oddly unsuited for the material. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Well-filmed action sequences<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2-1024x553.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"346\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2-1024x553.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2-128x69.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2-768x415.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2-500x270.png 500w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Racing2.png 1172w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Beautiful location shooting<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting-1024x553.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"346\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-93307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting-1024x553.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting-128x69.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting-768x415.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting-500x270.png 500w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Downhill-Racer-Location-Shooting.png 1172w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nNo, though it&#8217;s worth a look. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0064253\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qnetwork.com\/review\/3443\">Q Network Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.criterion.com\/current\/posts\/1297-downhill-racer-trailblazer\">Criterion Essay <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;A good racer turns everybody on &#8212; but he&#8217;s not for the team, and he never will be.&#8221; Synopsis: When a cocky American skier (Robert Redford) arrives in Switzerland to train with an Olympics-level coach (Gene Hackman), he falls for an attractive secretary (Camilla Sparv) and struggles to connect with his fellow teammates. Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors: Gene Hackman Films Michael Ritchie Films Olympics Robert Redford Films Sports Review: Director Michael Ritchie&#8217;s cinematic debut &#8212; prior to helming Prime&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=93293\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-93293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93293","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=93293"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93293\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":94501,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93293\/revisions\/94501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=93293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=93293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=93293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}