Robert Redford explains all

Kaitlin Cassidy's picture

Issue 21, Kaitlin Cassidy, Entertainment - By Kaitlin Cassidy on Thursday, March 10, 2011 - 04:55

As the room began to fill, my anxiety started to set in because I was about to meet Robert Redford. The Robert Redford! Okay maybe not meet him exactly, but at least listen to him speak.

This past Saturday, March 5, I attended a national journalism conference hosted by the Associated Collegiate Press. One of the big draws to the convention was an advance screening of Mr. Redford’s new movie, The Conspirator, followed by a press conference in which he would talk about the film, open to all conference attendees. I was looking forward to hearing Redford speak all day.

However, I was surprised to find how many people actually did not know who Robert Redford was. Redford has not only had a notable film career in which he won an Oscar for directing Ordinary People in 1980. He also started the Sundance Film Festival (to all you “indie” film lovers, he is the guy you want to thank), and is also a known and respected humanitarian and environmentalist.

He has really been a driving force in the Hollywood industry setting a precedent for actors like George Clooney to make films and also use their star power to raise the awareness of social issues.

Redford’s new film, The Conspirator, is what he calls, “a different story about a story everyone already knows about.” The film catalyst for action is the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The film focuses on the trial of the mother of one of Lincoln’s assassin.

Redford said that the theme of injustice and prejudice in the film moved him because they are issues still prevalent in today’s society.

Another notable aspect is the film’s relatively low budget.Redford found authentic locations for shooting to give the historical film a more genuine feel.

Redford concluded his discussion by thanking the entire group of college journalist for going out into the world and “finding truth”.

Truth being the most important thing to Redford and “hopefully,” he says “reflected in my work.”