#494: RITCHIE, Michael: Downhill Racer (1969)

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RITCHIE, Michael (United States)
Downhill Racer [1969]
Spine #494
DVD


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 debut feature, Downhill Racer. In a beautifully understated performance, Redford is David Chappellet, a ruthlessly ambitious skier competing for Olympic gold with an underdog American team in Europe, and Gene Hackman provides tough support as the coach who tries to temper the upstart's narcississtic drive for glory. With a subtle screenplay by acclaimed novelist James Salter, Downhill Racer is a vivid character portrait buoyed by breathtakingly fast and furious imagery that brings the viewer directly into the mind of the competitor.

101 minutes
Color
Monaural
1:85:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2009
Director/Writer


Screenplay by James Salter.
Michael Ritchie was 31 when he directed Downhill Racer.

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Todd McCarthy.

Commentary

None.

Video interviews

With Redford, screenwriter Salter, film editor Richard Harris, production manager Walter Coblenz, and former downhill skier Joe Jay Jalbert.
Audio excerpts

From a 1977 American Film Institute seminar with director Ritchie.
How Fast?

A rare, 12-minute promotional featurette.
Theatrical trailer

 Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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