Downhill Racer
The Criterion Collection
With a subtle screenplay by acclaimed novelist James Salter, astonishing Alpine location photography and a young Robert Redford in one of his earliest starring roles are just two of the visual splendors of Michael Ritchie's visceral debut feature, Downhill Racer. In a beautifully understated performance, Redford is David Chappellet, a ruthlessly ambitious skier competing with an underdog American team in Europe for Olympic gold, and Gene Hackman provides tough support as the coach who tries to temper the upstart's narcissistic drive for glory.
Member Reviews
One Of The Best Sports Ski Movies Ever - newdaysof
Downhill Racer is a hidden gem that stands up very well to this day. Starring and produced by Robert Redford, it tells the story of an American ski team who tries to win world championships in European ski races included the Olympics.
The camerawork and scenery is top notch and will blow your socks off. Stunning snow-capped mountain vistas of Swiss, French and Austrian Alps, extremely steep ski-runs and skiers going 100 miles an hour to win medals. This movie is better than Olympic coverage because they have a camera following the skiers as they go down the hill and you see the same things the skiers see. It is blindingly fast and incredibly dangerous.
You also feel the incredible tension build-up as the skiers wait their turn at the top of the hill and one by one they go down. Sometimes they wipe out spectacularly.
Robert Redford is great as usual playing the selfish hot-dog skier who becomes the American's star athlete. His love interest is the drop-dead gorgeous Camilla Sparv, with achingly beautiful face, long sensuous hair and delicious French/Austrian accent. A young and handsome Gene Hackman plays the American ski coach who locks horns with Redford's character throughout the movie. Dabney Coleman also makes minor appearances. Overall, a very enjoyable film.
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One Of The Best Sports Ski Movies Ever - newdaysof
Downhill Racer is a hidden gem that stands up very well to this day. Starring and produced by Robert Redford, it tells the story of an American ski team who tries to win world championships in European ski races included the Olympics.
The camerawork ...