Even if you miss Robert Redford’s two-night stand at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, there will still be hours and hours of Redford to soak in during BAMcinematek’s retrospective, “Robert Redford: Artist and Activist,” Sept. 8–16.
It’s a fortnight of great films, wonderful acting and a steady stream of subtle political and social activism. Here’s the full schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 pm
“The Candidate” (1972)
Directed by Michael Ritchie with Redford and Peter Boyle
In a satire of the American political machine, Redford stars as a handsome politician who compromises his liberal ideals to win a Senate seat.
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6:50, 9:15 pm
“Downhill Racer” (1969)
Directed by Michael Ritchie with Redford and Gene Hackman
Redford stars as a talented downhill skier whose cocky demeanor puts him at odds with his coach and his team.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:50, 9:30 pm
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969)
Directed by George Roy Hill with Redford and Paul Newman
Is a plot summary really necessary?
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2 pm
“Quiz Show” (1994)
Directed by Redford with John Turturro, Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes
Though it tells a well-documented TV scandal, Redford uses the real-life story of nebbishy Herbert Stempel to make a larger point about class, talent and reputation.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 5 pm
“The Sting” (1973)
Directed by George Roy Hill with Redford, Paul Newman and Robert Shaw
The best caper movie ever made. No wonder it won seven Oscars.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 pm (SOLD OUT)
“All the President’s Men” (1976)
Directed by Alan Pakula with Redford, Dustin Hoffman and Jason Robards
Sunday, Sept. 13, 12:15 pm
“A River Runs Through It” (1992)
Directed by Redford with Brad Pitt
A bit lyrical, but why shouldn’t an American icon like Robert Redford get to put his muscular, fishing-filled stamp on the iconic American west?
Sunday, Sept. 13, 12:30pm
“Jeremiah Johnson” (1972)
Directed by Sydney Pollack with Redford and Will Geer
A revisionist Western. That’s all you need to know.
Sunday, Sept. 13, special screenings (with Redford post-film appearance)*
“Out of Africa” (1984)
Directed by Sydney Pollack with Redford and Meryl Streep, 3 pm
A romance? In colonial Africa? With Redford as a hunter? Good stuff.
“The Natural” (1985)
Directed by Barry Levinson with Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close and Kim Basinger, 3:10 pm
The ultimate fantasy baseball story, Redford stars as Roy Hobbs, who leads his lame team thanks to a mystical talent.
“The Electric Horseman” (1979)
Directed by Sydney Pollack with Redford and Jane Fonda, 3:15 pm
Redford stars as Sonny Steele, a washed-up rodeo star and corporate shill in this cynical comedy.
“The Way We Were (1973)
Directed by Sydney Pollack with Redford and Barbra Streisand, 3:15 pm
She’s a Marxist Jew and he’s a WASP-y jock. This being Hollywood, they fall in love — but don’t worry, real movie fans, there’s a McCarthyism subtext.
* Tickets for these special “Redford: Film and Conversation” screenings are $20.
Monday, Sept. 14, 6:50, 9:30 pm
“Ordinary People” (1980)
Directed by Redford with Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton and Judd Hirsch
Redford’s directorial debut remains one of the greatest tributes to psychotherapy.
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6:50pm
“El Norte” (1983)
Directed by Gregory Nava with Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez and David Villalpando
It’s not directed by Redford and he’s not even in it, but this film is included because it highlights Redford’s influence with his Sundance institute, from which this tale of two Guatemalan teenagers emerged.
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 9:40 pm
“The Unforeseen” (1992)
Directed by Laura Dunn
See above — except replace the tragedy of the Guatemalan teenagers with the tragedy of environmental sustainability at a massive real-estate development outside Austin, Texas.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:50, 9:30 pm
“Three Days of the Condor” (1975)
Directed by Sydney Pollack with Redford and Faye Dunaway
A great political thriller about a CIA researcher (Redford) fighting a massive government conspiracy.
Tickets for all screenings are $11 (adults), $8 (seniors, children under 12 and students). Tickets available by phone at (718) 636-4100 or at BAM.org.
