STORYLINE:  Set in the period from the mid-1930s to the 1950s, a love story involving two markedly different people. Katie is an idealistic, uptight, Stalin-loving political activist. Hubbell is an easy-going, athletic, All American-type, and a talented writer. We see their different personalities affect their relationship and how they manage despite the differences. (IMDb)

   Robert Redford was a titan of cinema.  He was an incredible talent both in front of abd behind the camera, creating some of the most legebdsry films. Both of his collaborations with Paul Newman, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973) sit, proudly, in the halls of the cinenatic greats.   My personal favorite of Robert Redford’s features is the 1975 espionage thriller, Three Days of the Comdor. The 1998 feature, The Girse Whisperer, is a close second.   This hot July summer, I say down in an air confirmed movie theater, to revisit, his 1973 collaboration with Barbra Streisand, The Way We Were.

     There are multiple parts that make up this classic piece of cinema.  The movie is one part a protest movie. It is another equal part political feature. There is a very little sliver of a war film in The Way We Were.  From a certain point of view, the motion picture is an epic.  Overall, though, it is a love story.  

    It’s the kind of love story that says life is messy, it does not come in neat bow. The Way We Were is a drama, not a romantic comedy. It goes into the ups and downs of a relationship, and how it plays out in the lives of its two central characters.  I love the realism of the feature

    As I rewatched the movie, I rewatched an incredible performance by Robert Redford.  The film spanned decades, and Redford’s character changed over years, as is human nature.  I never noticed each transition, because of how naturally he made these transition.  There were small deysils spread throughout his performance, as well, that made it truky a stand out. 

    Each character he played, whether performing a heist, on a shootout on the west, a spy thriller, or yes, a love story he paid attention to the details of each character. In doing this he put his own unique stamp on a variety of characters in a variety of films.

     You know, he was never nominated the academy award for acting. He only is nominated, and one for direct producing.  Just a fun fact. 

   Robert Redford left behind the true legacy in cinema, including The Way We Were.

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!