Robert Redford's Directorial Filmography: Ranked and Explored | MarkMeets | Celebrity News, Music, Movies, TV, London Film Premieres

Robert Redford, widely celebrated for his acting career, has also made a significant mark as a filmmaker. Although he gained fame in the 1960s primarily through his acting roles, such as in the beloved films “Barefoot in the Park” (1967) and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), he also directed several movies between 1980 and 2012. This article will rank his directorial efforts from worst to best, shedding light on the lesser-known aspect of his career.

Table of Contents

9. ‘The Company You Keep’ (2012)

In the 1970s, Robert Redford’s acting career soared with significant roles in political drama and thriller movies, such as “All the President’s Men” (1976) and “Three Days of the Condor” (1975). His final directorial work, “The Company You Keep,” follows suit as a political drama/thriller. While it boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Julie Christie, Brendan Gleeson, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, and Nick Nolte, the film doesn’t offer much excitement beyond its talented actors. It revolves around journalism and risky activism, ultimately resulting in a by-the-numbers drama/thriller.

8. ‘Lions For Lambs’ (2007)

“Lions For Lambs” (2007) also assembles a remarkable cast, featuring Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Andrew Garfield, and Michael Peña. This film, running just over 90 minutes, takes an ambitious approach by presenting three interconnected stories in real time. However, despite the star-studded lineup, the film falls short in its execution due to shortcomings in its writing. It’s a commendable attempt at risk-taking, even if it doesn’t fully succeed, which is still more admirable than not trying at all.

7. ‘The Legend of Bagger Vance’ (2000)

In “The Legend of Bagger Vance” (2000), Redford attempts to combine a standard underdog sports movie with mild fantastical elements, centered around the sport of golf in the state of Georgia. While golf might not be the most cinematic of sports, the film makes an effort to incorporate it into a broader narrative. Despite the commitment of Redford and the strong performances of Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron, the film underperformed at the box office and has faded from memory over time.

6. ‘The Conspirator’ (2010)

Two years before Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in “Lincoln” (2012), Robert Redford directed “The Conspirator” (2010), which focuses on the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination. The film centers on Mary Surratt, who was tried as a co-conspirator in the assassination while maintaining her innocence. While the legal drama’s premise is inherently intriguing, “The Conspirator” falls short of being exceptional. It’s well-made, with Robin Wright delivering a strong performance as Surratt, but it doesn’t stand out as one of Redford’s best directorial works.

5. ‘The Milagro Beanfield War’ (1988)

“The Milagro Beanfield War” is one of Redford’s more obscure directorial efforts. Despite its unconventional title, the film tells an entertaining story of a land dispute between a group of Latino farmers and unscrupulous real estate developers intent on building a golf resort. Like many of Redford’s films, it is well-crafted, featuring an Oscar-winning score by Dave Grusin. The film ambitiously blends comedy, drama, and fantastical elements, resulting in an interesting and worthwhile addition to Redford’s directorial portfolio.

4. ‘The Horse Whisperer’ (1998)

In “The Horse Whisperer” (1998), Robert Redford not only directed but also starred alongside Scarlett Johansson, who plays the film’s initial protagonist. The story revolves around Johansson’s character’s journey to recover after a traumatic accident that affects both her and her horse. Redford plays the titular horse whisperer, while a romantic subplot unfolds. Balancing recovery and romance within a nearly three-hour film can feel unwieldy, but the movie excels in various aspects, including acting, visuals, music, and outdoor locations.

3. ‘A River Runs Through It’ (1992)

“A River Runs Through It” (1992) marked one of Brad Pitt’s early prominent performances. The film explores the dynamics of a family over several years, spanning from the end of World War I to the early days of the Great Depression. While it may not be the most action-packed film, it delves deeply into its characters and features strong performances. The movie’s focus on brotherly bonds and family resilience during challenging times makes it a compelling and emotionally resonant piece.

2. ‘Quiz Show’ (1994)

“Quiz Show” would likely be more widely recognized if it hadn’t been released in the same year as other cinematic classics like “Pulp Fiction,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” and “Forrest Gump.” Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be overlooked, given its intriguing storyline about the investigation into the rigged quiz show “Twenty-One.” The film unfolds as a drama, not a thriller, but it captivates with its compelling narrative and well-paced execution. Redford draws exceptional performances from the cast, including Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, and Paul Scofield.

1. ‘Ordinary People’ (1980)

Remarkably, Robert Redford’s very first directorial effort, “Ordinary People” (1980), remains his most critically acclaimed and arguably his best work overall. The film is a straightforward yet emotionally powerful family drama, depicting how ordinary individuals grapple with a devastating loss that leaves a permanent void within the family. The film’s sensitivity and understated direction, coupled with outstanding performances, contributed to its significant success at the Oscars, where it won Best Picture, and Redford earned the Best Director award.

In conclusion, while Robert Redford’s acting career has been his primary claim to fame, his directorial works have also left a lasting impact. From political dramas to family sagas, he has explored a range of themes and genres throughout his directorial career. Each of his films brings its unique strengths and qualities, contributing to the rich tapestry of his cinematic legacy.