In a remarkable time capsule from 1970, a young Robert Redford, on the cusp of superstardom from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, gave a candid interview to The Guardian that revealed a deep-seated aversion to the very industry that was about to claim him.
The piece, recently resurfaced, paints a portrait of an artist profoundly at odds with the Hollywood machine. Redford, then just 33, expressed a palpable disdain for the studio system's commercialism and his fierce determination to carve his own path.
A Reluctant Star
Despite the seismic success of Butch Cassidy, Redford was already feeling constrained by his matinee idol image. He spoke of a desire to be recognised for his craft and intellect, not just his looks, and was actively seeking grittier, more politically charged roles that would soon define his career in films like The Candidate and All the President's Men.
The Allure of the Wilderness Over Westwood
The interview is strikingly centred on Redford's profound connection to the natural landscapes of Utah, a stark contrast to the glossy pavements of Los Angeles. He described himself as "not a Hollywood man" but an outdoorsman, a skier, and an environmentalist at heart. This yearning for authenticity and space would later materialise as the Sundance Institute, his legacy project far removed from Tinseltown.
Fighting for Creative Control
Even in 1970, Redford was articulating a battle for creative autonomy that would preoccupy his entire career. He expressed frustration with the lack of director and actor influence in the filmmaking process, hinting at his own future behind the camera. His vision for a collaborative, director-driven environment was a direct challenge to the established Hollywood hierarchy.
This unease with fame and his prescient understanding of its pitfalls makes the interview seem startlingly modern. Redford wasn't just reacting to stardom; he was meticulously planning how to navigate it on his own terms, ensuring it would never define or confine him.
