The Big Picture The Robert Redford Hall of Fame
8 snips
Nov 28, 2025 
Tracy Letts, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and actor, joins the conversation to celebrate Robert Redford’s illustrious career. They explore Redford's iconic early films like The Sting and Butch Cassidy, dissect his unique acting style, and delve into his cultural impact as Sundance's founder. The trio shares personal memories and critiques on films, including the controversial casting in Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here. Finally, they construct a Redford Hall of Fame by selecting the top films that define his legacy.
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Redford's Multidimensional Legacy
- Robert Redford built a multi-faceted legacy as star, director, and founder of Sundance that reshaped American film.
- His influence extends beyond screen roles into activism and institutional support for independent artists.
Childhood Thrill From The Sting
- Tracy Letts first saw Redford in The Sting at age eight and remembers the theater's collective surprise at the film's twist.
- That early memory shaped his enduring appreciation of Redford's craft and star power.
Power Of Withholding Performance
- Redford's acting is defined by restraint: thoughtful, taciturn performances that imply inner life.
- That self-knowledge let him avoid roles he couldn't convincingly inhabit and cultivate consistent star persona.
