Synopsis: 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. 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.

Language: English

Country of Origin: United States of America

Production Year: 1969

Reviews:

• ""The best movie ever made about sports."", Roger Ebert
• ""The location skiing sequences are simply astounding."", Geoff Andrew, Time Out

Awards:

• 1970: Winner, Oscar, Best Actor, Paul Newman, Academy