“I’m better when I move.”
Robert Redford died September 16, 2025 at the age of 89. There was something about his performances in every film that made you root for him. I wanted to list some of my favourite films with Redford, and some of his style will inevitable sway my decisions here.
Sneakers 1992 (image https://www.imdb.com/)
Sneakers
I think I’ve watched this film more times than is necessary. It was through this era of heist movies, semi-addicted to the Joaquin Phoenix tragedy, an early crush on Mary McDonnell (don’t ask, but she was hot in her 40s). The playful James Horner soundtrack, yet with a sinister underbelly, (seriously he weaponises that piano in places) and the comic relief of Dan Ackroyd, and Sidney Poitier make this is an infectious and brilliant early 90s film about loyalty, revenge, nerdy brilliance and mistrust. Oh yes and unbreakable codes.
Style fact: Dan Aykroyd (Mother) wears a t-shirt bearing the name “Aleka’s Attic”, a band formed by River Phoenix (Carl).
Image credit: https://www.tumblr.com/rivjudephoenix/162625794828/dan-aykroyd-wearing-an-alekas-attic-shirt-in-a
Indecent Proposal
Indecent Proposal (1994) Image source: IMDB https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107211/?ref_=tttrv_ov_i
The Casino scene where Robert Redford is playing millionaire Gage, first entices Diane played by Demi Moore to be his lucky plus one is sublime. Nino Cerruti who tailored the suits for Redford in this film spoke about about his motives in films in an article in The Independent.
‘Where else can you affect the minds and attitudes of so many? When film stars are dressed in your clothing, the impact internationally is enormous.’
Style Fact: Demi Moore’s black cut-out Thierry Mugler-designed dress generated such immense interest after the movie’s release, it was often copied by other designers.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Image Credit: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064115/?ref_=tttrv_ov_bk
This film has one of the best endings of all time. Watching this when I was young had me dreaming of that kind of friendship. Having each others back, a great shorthand, and mutual respect. I always wanted to believe they got away as the final scene didn’t show them getting slain. Thank God I was spared that. Just the camera freezing on the two of them emerging from that barn, the cacophony of bullets reigning down on them leaves such an indelible image.
Two style icons in their own right just looking cool as.
And one of the most repeatable lines, “I’m better when I move.” You can watch that clip on YouTube here.
One of the most unique parts of Sundance’s wardrobe in Bolivia is his brown leather vest, tied with a dark brown string through a 2-eyelet front. It is single-breasted with shawl lapels stitched onto the front. The cut is straight across the bottom. The vest also features two squared lower pockets, which seem to provide the most utility for Sundance’s thumbs. – Bamf Style
The Sting
I’ve penned an article on this film sharing my thoughts which I’d rather not repeat here. Below is a little description of that plum suit that Redford wears.
The Great Gatsby (1974)
I’ve also studied that film in a previous article and you can find out my thoughts here.
I think there are many takeaways from this film. Robert Redford gives a credible vulnerability to Jay Gatsby. Although, the whole premise of The Great Gatsby is underpinned by the notion of reliving the past, and that one has to be monogamous to that first love, even in separation.
Gatsby could have wooed Daisy away from Tom, had he not been intent on whitewashing her relationship with Tom from existence. It’s a bit like in The American version of The Office when Michael gets a new girlfriend and photoshops himself into her old holiday photos. If you get my drift.
I’ve even done a round table debate on YouTube discussing those beautiful shirts from Turnbull & Asser.
