Watch Downhill Racer

Downhill Racer is a thrilling sports drama film from 1969, directed by Michael Ritchie, starring Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, and Camilla Sparv. The film follows David Chappellet, a talented skier from Colorado who dreams of becoming the world's greatest Olympic skier. The movie highlights the challenges of being an athlete with a burning passion inextricably linked to personal achievement and the feeling of freedom that comes with competing at the highest level.

Redford plays the role of Chappellet, an arrogant and ambitious young skier who is ruthless in his quest for personal glory. Hackman does a wonderful job as Chappellet's pragmatic coach, Eugene Claire, who tries to temper the young man's ambition with a dose of reality. Sparv plays Carole Stahl, an attractive Swedish woman who becomes Chappellet's love interest.

The film moves at a fast pace and the skiing scenes are beautifully shot, capturing the exhilaration and danger of the sport. We follow Chappellet as he competes in races across Europe, with the stunning Alpine landscapes forming a breathtaking backdrop. However, the real drama lies in the tension between Chappellet and Claire, who is frustrated by the skier's lack of discipline and his unwillingness to be a team player.

Throughout the film, we see Chappellet's arrogance grow as he continues to win races, and the consequences of his behavior become increasingly apparent. While he has the talent, he lacks the necessary focus and commitment to become a champion. As the tension between Chappellet and Claire escalates, we see the dynamic between student and coach shifting, as the teacher begins to learn from the student.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the exploration of the pressure an athlete must bear. The film shows the loneliness and isolation that come with the daily grind of training and the expectation to constantly win competitions. The contrast between Chappellet's public persona as a charismatic skier and his lonely, broken personal life is particularly effective.

Additionally, the film touches on larger themes such as national identity and race relations. Chappellet is the only American skier on the circuit, and there is a palpable sense of anxiety within the US skiing establishment about his success. In one notable scene, Chappellet's father questions whether he will be allowed to participate in an important race due to the presence of a black skier, revealing the unfaltering racism that permeates the sport.

In conclusion, Downhill Racer is a classic sports drama that has stood the test of time. It is a film that not only captures the excitement of skiing but also explores the personal and societal pressures an athlete must bear. The performances of Redford, Hackman, and Sparv are top-notch, and the ski scenes are breathtakingly shot. It's a must-see for anyone who loves sports and character-driven stories.

Downhill Racer is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 89.