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Robert Redford: The Biography
Robert Redford is among the most widely admired Hollywood stars of his generation, renowned for his iconic roles as the Sundance Kid, Bob Woodward and Jay Gatsby, and celebrated for his fierce commitment to environmental causes, independent filmmaking, and his Sundance Film Festival. Yet only now, in this revelatory biography written in close collaboration with the extraordinary actor and director himself, do we see the complex man beneath the Hollywood façade.
608 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
286 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
About the author
Michael Feeney Callan
38 books9 followersMichael Feeney Callan is an Irish born poet, novelist and filmmaker, also known for his biographical writing.
He wrote the template Irish TV police procedural series The Burke Enigma, then went on to write for ITV's The Professionals and adapt Frederick Forsyth stories for PBS. He was story editor at BBC TV Drama in London, where he edited the series, Shoestring, and at Ardmore Studios in Ireland.
A Hennessy Literary Award winner for his short fiction, Callan has published original and TV adaptation novels, as well as biographies of Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Richard Harris, Julie Christie and the New York Times bestseller Robert Redford: The Biography.
As a poet, Callan began publishing in his teens in David Marcus' New Irish Writing, and has published two volumes of poetry, Fifty Fingers (2003) and An Argument for Sin (2013).
As a filmmaker, Callan has written and directed documentaries on The Dubliners' Luke Kelly, animators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman and The Beach Boys.
He wrote the template Irish TV police procedural series The Burke Enigma, then went on to write for ITV's The Professionals and adapt Frederick Forsyth stories for PBS. He was story editor at BBC TV Drama in London, where he edited the series, Shoestring, and at Ardmore Studios in Ireland.
A Hennessy Literary Award winner for his short fiction, Callan has published original and TV adaptation novels, as well as biographies of Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Richard Harris, Julie Christie and the New York Times bestseller Robert Redford: The Biography.
As a poet, Callan began publishing in his teens in David Marcus' New Irish Writing, and has published two volumes of poetry, Fifty Fingers (2003) and An Argument for Sin (2013).
As a filmmaker, Callan has written and directed documentaries on The Dubliners' Luke Kelly, animators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman and The Beach Boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
September 17, 2025
Redford's life has been a most interesting one...one of the top Hollywood film stars of his generation, he may become best known as the man who created the Sundance Film Festival...Callan looks at the life of a man who began as a troubled youth growing up in LA. As a young man, he went to Europe to develop his artistic talents, only to return home a failure. But he discovered his talent as an actor in plays and then movies. The 1967 "Barefoot in the Park" with Jane Fonda was his first big hit, followed by "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in '69, with Paul Newman. Redford continued through the 70s at the top of the box office.
My own favorite Redford movie is "Jeremiah Johnson," a film that reflected Redford's strong feelings for the wild nature of the Rockies and his interest in Native culture. It was that commitment to wilderness that led him to take over the resort in Sundance in Utah, envisioning it as a center for the arts. This was the basis of the Sundance Film Festival.
By the end of the 70s, Redford moved into directing and had more successes there. Callan details his environmental activism which has made a definite impact...This is a biography that really brings this very private man to life, and the story is not over, as, hopefully, Redford will go on to accomplish much much more.
NOTE: Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89.
My own favorite Redford movie is "Jeremiah Johnson," a film that reflected Redford's strong feelings for the wild nature of the Rockies and his interest in Native culture. It was that commitment to wilderness that led him to take over the resort in Sundance in Utah, envisioning it as a center for the arts. This was the basis of the Sundance Film Festival.
By the end of the 70s, Redford moved into directing and had more successes there. Callan details his environmental activism which has made a definite impact...This is a biography that really brings this very private man to life, and the story is not over, as, hopefully, Redford will go on to accomplish much much more.
NOTE: Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89.
April 20, 2014
Michael Feeney Callan is such an excellent biographer; I was lucky enough to already be in thrall of the subject, the gorgeous Mr Charles Robert Redford, but even if I were not, this would still make an enormously good read. Ten years in the making with lots of family history, instances not involving his film career including his work in the Sundance wilderness conservation, personal anecdotes and some great piccies. I will read other biographies by Mr Callan. Altogether a 4.5★ read.
November 20, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this book. I have a lot of connections to the subject. I've enjoyed many of Redford's films over the years. I was raised in Provo and spent a lot of time at Sundance. I know quite a few people who are friends with Redford and/or have worked closely with him. And I've admired Redford as a supporter of independent film and an environmental activist. So I picked up this book because I already had an interest in Redford, and I wanted to know more about what makes him tick. My quibbles with this book are not so much the subject but the writing.
Yes, I learned a lot that I didn't know about the man. But I think that my main complaints go to Callan's approach and execution. For one thing, I often felt overwhelmed by details. There didn't seem to be a sense of proportion, with more important themes or incidents getting more in-depth coverage and others getting less. The treatment kind of hovered at about the same level from beginning to end, at least for me. As a result, I was bored at times by what to me seemed like an excess of detail, while other times I wanted to know more. For example, I would have liked to know more about his relationships with family and close friends, his interactions with Utah culture, his assessments of his career, etc.
Granted, Redford is probably a hard person to know. But if that's the case, then either the book should have been shorter or Callan should have done more analysis of the evidence he amassed over ten years. I would have liked to see more of a clear focus on major themes in Redford's life, a more thoughtful exploration of the key events. I know some of that was there, but the book kind of jumped around a lot and felt unnecessarily superficial.
Finally, I wish there had been more of a sense of story in the book. Some writers have a knack of capturing and rendering key events from a person's life that reveal his or her character. For me, Callan lacked the ability to tell Redford's story in a vivid or compelling way. Having read this 400 page bio, there aren't many incidents that were particularly memorable. There are some, but not as many as there should have been over 400 pages.
On the whole, however, I'm glad I read the book, and I enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at Redford and his career. I appreciated getting a glimpse into the events that shaped him, how he worked as an actor and director, and his influence on the motion picture industry.
Yes, I learned a lot that I didn't know about the man. But I think that my main complaints go to Callan's approach and execution. For one thing, I often felt overwhelmed by details. There didn't seem to be a sense of proportion, with more important themes or incidents getting more in-depth coverage and others getting less. The treatment kind of hovered at about the same level from beginning to end, at least for me. As a result, I was bored at times by what to me seemed like an excess of detail, while other times I wanted to know more. For example, I would have liked to know more about his relationships with family and close friends, his interactions with Utah culture, his assessments of his career, etc.
Granted, Redford is probably a hard person to know. But if that's the case, then either the book should have been shorter or Callan should have done more analysis of the evidence he amassed over ten years. I would have liked to see more of a clear focus on major themes in Redford's life, a more thoughtful exploration of the key events. I know some of that was there, but the book kind of jumped around a lot and felt unnecessarily superficial.
Finally, I wish there had been more of a sense of story in the book. Some writers have a knack of capturing and rendering key events from a person's life that reveal his or her character. For me, Callan lacked the ability to tell Redford's story in a vivid or compelling way. Having read this 400 page bio, there aren't many incidents that were particularly memorable. There are some, but not as many as there should have been over 400 pages.
On the whole, however, I'm glad I read the book, and I enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at Redford and his career. I appreciated getting a glimpse into the events that shaped him, how he worked as an actor and director, and his influence on the motion picture industry.
July 21, 2025
This was a very in-depth and informative about one of my favorite actors. Michael Callan went into great detail about the family history, an uncle at the invasion of Normandy, his baptism into the Mormon LDS church, his travels/studies to Italy, some of his sketches, and prison movies like Brubaker and The Last Castle. It felt exhausting at times because it was so heavy detail-orientated but still was worth a read. It was a good book about a great actor of our time. Thanks!
May 24, 2011
It is shocking to find that an autobiography from a political figure [George Bush] can be so amusing and interesting and then to find a biography about one of the biggest movie icons in my lifetime can be so boring!!! I have been in awe of Redford since he appeared in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and was so excited to read this book. How disappointing in both the book and him.
The author devoted the first chapter to his parents, grandparents and other ancestors and the last chapter to a 'little' of the more current Redford and his family. These were the only 2 chapters worth reading. The rest of the book is full of long sentences with long words in long paragraphs in long chapters. BORING! He concentrated mainly on his many movies which was unnecessary since we fans do know about the movies. The author should have realized that 75% or more of the readers were going to be women over 50 that have been captivated by Redford since his rise to stardom. We are too old to want to take the time to read and reread so many paragraphs to figure out what in the hell he is talking about. We're more into the enjoyable reading of Danielle Steel and Janet Evanovich. We've left the college days behind along with trying to impress and are into the age of enjoying our life- not interpreting the unnecessary language that we rarely hear in real life. Even quotes by Redford were intermixed with bullshit [the actual word] and those 6 or more syllable words.
My biggest gripe toward the author while reading was not giving me a sense of who the man was really. However, after finishing the book I must admit the author may have in fact told me what he was like: self centered, pompous, intelligent but with a lack of common sense, distant, cold, and many other traits that all began with 'self'. Many said he had great wit, but until the last chapter with a short reference to some antics that Paul Newman and Redford played on each other I didn't find anything witty about the man. I found more in Newman's bio on the friendship of the two men and I thought at the time that biography was boring!
His children did have a few things they shared about their father but my impression was they didn't even know him until they became adults and even then it didn't appear to be a close relationship. I didn't come out of the book with a good feeling about his first wife either. She seemed as self absorbed as him but that may have been her reaction to their relationship. It appears that there were no deep friendships but rather working relationships.
I didn't expect scandals in the book but did expect to see more of the Sundance Kid in his personality rather than Jeremiah Jones. I guess my main disappointment is I wasted over 40 years in awe and respect of a man that 'just wasn't there' as I saw him. I'm just glad I finally finished this way too long book. I found myself checking each page number as I finished the page thinking I should be further along than I was! I would have given up on the book about 1/4 the way but I refuse to leave anything unfinished. My mistake in this case!!
The author devoted the first chapter to his parents, grandparents and other ancestors and the last chapter to a 'little' of the more current Redford and his family. These were the only 2 chapters worth reading. The rest of the book is full of long sentences with long words in long paragraphs in long chapters. BORING! He concentrated mainly on his many movies which was unnecessary since we fans do know about the movies. The author should have realized that 75% or more of the readers were going to be women over 50 that have been captivated by Redford since his rise to stardom. We are too old to want to take the time to read and reread so many paragraphs to figure out what in the hell he is talking about. We're more into the enjoyable reading of Danielle Steel and Janet Evanovich. We've left the college days behind along with trying to impress and are into the age of enjoying our life- not interpreting the unnecessary language that we rarely hear in real life. Even quotes by Redford were intermixed with bullshit [the actual word] and those 6 or more syllable words.
My biggest gripe toward the author while reading was not giving me a sense of who the man was really. However, after finishing the book I must admit the author may have in fact told me what he was like: self centered, pompous, intelligent but with a lack of common sense, distant, cold, and many other traits that all began with 'self'. Many said he had great wit, but until the last chapter with a short reference to some antics that Paul Newman and Redford played on each other I didn't find anything witty about the man. I found more in Newman's bio on the friendship of the two men and I thought at the time that biography was boring!
His children did have a few things they shared about their father but my impression was they didn't even know him until they became adults and even then it didn't appear to be a close relationship. I didn't come out of the book with a good feeling about his first wife either. She seemed as self absorbed as him but that may have been her reaction to their relationship. It appears that there were no deep friendships but rather working relationships.
I didn't expect scandals in the book but did expect to see more of the Sundance Kid in his personality rather than Jeremiah Jones. I guess my main disappointment is I wasted over 40 years in awe and respect of a man that 'just wasn't there' as I saw him. I'm just glad I finally finished this way too long book. I found myself checking each page number as I finished the page thinking I should be further along than I was! I would have given up on the book about 1/4 the way but I refuse to leave anything unfinished. My mistake in this case!!
August 25, 2011
Although an actor who saw his biggest success before I was even born, Robert Redford has always held some mystery for me. After living in Provo, I became more intrigued with his concept of Sundance and how it came to be. A reclusive sort of fellow in that he doesn't grant interviews very often, the public at large doesn't know much more about Robert Redford (or Bob, as he's referred to in the book) than what they get on the movie screen.
I found the writing rather tedious. So many stories seem to be repeated over and over again. The book goes through Redford's acting career chronologically, but it seems more of a report than anything. Very little is said about Redford's family life and all his friendships are portrayed on a movie set or in a boardroom.
I wanted to know more about Redford as a person and I didn't feel like this book did that for me. Were there some interesting stories? A few. Were my questions about Sundance answered? Kind of. I felt like the reader would be better served with different chapters focusing on the different aspects of Redford's life (acting, family life, environmentalism, politics, conservation, Sundance, independent film making, directing, relationships, friendships with other actors and directors, etc.) so that the reader could dive in to each of them, not read a nasal-toned monologue of "and then this happened". I haven't read any other Redford biographies, so I can't compare this one. But perhaps Redford's destiny is to remain shrouded in the air of mystery that he has created.
I found the writing rather tedious. So many stories seem to be repeated over and over again. The book goes through Redford's acting career chronologically, but it seems more of a report than anything. Very little is said about Redford's family life and all his friendships are portrayed on a movie set or in a boardroom.
I wanted to know more about Redford as a person and I didn't feel like this book did that for me. Were there some interesting stories? A few. Were my questions about Sundance answered? Kind of. I felt like the reader would be better served with different chapters focusing on the different aspects of Redford's life (acting, family life, environmentalism, politics, conservation, Sundance, independent film making, directing, relationships, friendships with other actors and directors, etc.) so that the reader could dive in to each of them, not read a nasal-toned monologue of "and then this happened". I haven't read any other Redford biographies, so I can't compare this one. But perhaps Redford's destiny is to remain shrouded in the air of mystery that he has created.
February 4, 2012
The biography of Robert Redford shares the beauty marks and blemishes of the subjects movie career and political activism.
This is the first biography I have read from Micheal Callan. I am impressed by the effort, detail, and openness he has achieved in this biography.
Holladay starts the investigation way, waaaay back in time to the 1600's. Possibly the evolutionary beginnings of the Redford clan. It quickly focuses on Robert's beginnings and moves forward through his life experiences.
If you want to know about Robert Redford, you will find it here. Callan achieves great detail with minimal white washing of Redford's movie career and political activism.
I go to movies for entertainment. I read newspapers for news, and avoid political commentary for the most part. Since Redford's body of work includes many movies that are politically tinged, I avoided those works. I am ambivalent to his achievements and that translates to how I feel about his biography. I believe this book would be liked by those who agree with his political leanings and enjoy his politically based movies such as "All The Presidents Men", "The Candidate", and "The Way We Were".
The strength of Robert Redford's biography is the incredible amount of information it has. At the same time it made the flow of the book rough for me. The biggest problem I had was Redford's birthday was missing. It may seem trivial. For me, though, it's huge. The date of birth is a reference point I use to pull all the events together. I use that information to add in other events of the time to get a better historical feel of the story. Unable to have his birthday as a reference point was a big problem and heavily weakened my enjoyment of the book. I had an early copy so if anyone finds Redford's birthday in their book, please add a comment to my review.
If you like Redford's body of work, you will probably like this book.
This is the first biography I have read from Micheal Callan. I am impressed by the effort, detail, and openness he has achieved in this biography.
Holladay starts the investigation way, waaaay back in time to the 1600's. Possibly the evolutionary beginnings of the Redford clan. It quickly focuses on Robert's beginnings and moves forward through his life experiences.
If you want to know about Robert Redford, you will find it here. Callan achieves great detail with minimal white washing of Redford's movie career and political activism.
I go to movies for entertainment. I read newspapers for news, and avoid political commentary for the most part. Since Redford's body of work includes many movies that are politically tinged, I avoided those works. I am ambivalent to his achievements and that translates to how I feel about his biography. I believe this book would be liked by those who agree with his political leanings and enjoy his politically based movies such as "All The Presidents Men", "The Candidate", and "The Way We Were".
The strength of Robert Redford's biography is the incredible amount of information it has. At the same time it made the flow of the book rough for me. The biggest problem I had was Redford's birthday was missing. It may seem trivial. For me, though, it's huge. The date of birth is a reference point I use to pull all the events together. I use that information to add in other events of the time to get a better historical feel of the story. Unable to have his birthday as a reference point was a big problem and heavily weakened my enjoyment of the book. I had an early copy so if anyone finds Redford's birthday in their book, please add a comment to my review.
If you like Redford's body of work, you will probably like this book.
November 27, 2012
Added 10/24/12.
I listened to the audio version of this book during October and November 2012. Interesting and enjoyable.
“Revealing . . . Intriguing . . . An all-American beautiful jock with a brutal iron will and the soul of a visionary tyrant, Redford, under Callan’s gaze, emerges as a sui generis* American figure. A gripping, intimate treatment of one of cinema’s last great iconic stars.” -Kirkus
*[Sui generis is a Neo-Latin expression, literally meaning "of its own kind/genus", or unique in its characteristics.]
“Comprehensive . . . Callan reveals the complex man beneath the Hollywood persona. Absorbing and remarkably well documented; readers will enjoy losing themselves in this long-awaited biography.” -Booklist
[Above clips found at: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978030... ]
It was interesting hearing about how Redford founded the Sunrise Institute.
"Sundance Institute is a non-profit organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981 that actively advances the work of filmmakers and storytellers worldwide. The Institute ... provides creative and financial support to emerging and aspiring filmmakers, directors, producers, film composers, screenwriters, playwrights, and theater artists through a series of Labs and Fellowships. The programs of Sundance Institute include the Sundance Film Festival, a premier platform for American and international independent film."
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundance...
See Wiki for details of Redford's life:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_R...
I listened to the audio version of this book during October and November 2012. Interesting and enjoyable.
“Revealing . . . Intriguing . . . An all-American beautiful jock with a brutal iron will and the soul of a visionary tyrant, Redford, under Callan’s gaze, emerges as a sui generis* American figure. A gripping, intimate treatment of one of cinema’s last great iconic stars.” -Kirkus
*[Sui generis is a Neo-Latin expression, literally meaning "of its own kind/genus", or unique in its characteristics.]
“Comprehensive . . . Callan reveals the complex man beneath the Hollywood persona. Absorbing and remarkably well documented; readers will enjoy losing themselves in this long-awaited biography.” -Booklist
[Above clips found at: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978030... ]
It was interesting hearing about how Redford founded the Sunrise Institute.
"Sundance Institute is a non-profit organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981 that actively advances the work of filmmakers and storytellers worldwide. The Institute ... provides creative and financial support to emerging and aspiring filmmakers, directors, producers, film composers, screenwriters, playwrights, and theater artists through a series of Labs and Fellowships. The programs of Sundance Institute include the Sundance Film Festival, a premier platform for American and international independent film."
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundance...
See Wiki for details of Redford's life:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_R...
March 29, 2017
Due to my age, I was definitely late to Robert Redford fanhood. I became a great admirer in the early 90s thanks to two films: A River Runs Through It (which Redford directed) and the great acting ensemble piece, Sneakers, which he starred in. I have enjoyed discovering his earlier movies as well, so I knew this biography was a must read for me.
The author definitely did his homework. Callan interviewed Robert Redford over many years, pulled from Redford's journals, and meticulously gathered quotes from close friends and family, as well as news articles. The book is extremely thorough 3/4 of the way through, which was slow going for me at times. The writing is excellent, and I would give this biography a solid 3.5 stars. I learned many new facts about Redford, and I am impressed by how many times he could press forward after personal tragedies.
I felt that the films Redford made in the 2000s were quickly glossed over; the author seemed to rush to finish the book around this point. I also felt there was too much detail about his political activism, which wasn't that interesting to me. I kept wishing that Robert Redford had taken an interest in improving Utah public schools instead of his focus on environmental issues. That would be a story I would really want to read.
The author definitely did his homework. Callan interviewed Robert Redford over many years, pulled from Redford's journals, and meticulously gathered quotes from close friends and family, as well as news articles. The book is extremely thorough 3/4 of the way through, which was slow going for me at times. The writing is excellent, and I would give this biography a solid 3.5 stars. I learned many new facts about Redford, and I am impressed by how many times he could press forward after personal tragedies.
I felt that the films Redford made in the 2000s were quickly glossed over; the author seemed to rush to finish the book around this point. I also felt there was too much detail about his political activism, which wasn't that interesting to me. I kept wishing that Robert Redford had taken an interest in improving Utah public schools instead of his focus on environmental issues. That would be a story I would really want to read.
May 25, 2017
Highly recommended biography of Bob Redford.
The only drawback of biographies about living, and I'm saying that with full knowledge of its implications, but without wishing to jinx anybody, is that the author had Redford's collaboration in writing this book so in certain areas Callan has to tread carefully in order to avoid offence to his subject. I'm not saying that we´ll ever hear to totally different story, and I don't mean to be cynical or callous about other people's demise, but sometimes it helps to have more distance to something or someone before we can analyse in a wider context.
The description of Redford's early days I found especially riveting in this context.
The only drawback of biographies about living, and I'm saying that with full knowledge of its implications, but without wishing to jinx anybody, is that the author had Redford's collaboration in writing this book so in certain areas Callan has to tread carefully in order to avoid offence to his subject. I'm not saying that we´ll ever hear to totally different story, and I don't mean to be cynical or callous about other people's demise, but sometimes it helps to have more distance to something or someone before we can analyse in a wider context.
The description of Redford's early days I found especially riveting in this context.
August 18, 2015
Happy Birthday, Robert Redford!
In honor of one of my favorite people on this planet I want to suggest this biography.
But if this bio doesn't ring your bell - then I suggest you pick some person, anybody, that fascinates you and read their biography and/or memoir. I find it enlightening and somewhat humbling to read about other people and what fuels them.
~Victoria
In honor of one of my favorite people on this planet I want to suggest this biography.
But if this bio doesn't ring your bell - then I suggest you pick some person, anybody, that fascinates you and read their biography and/or memoir. I find it enlightening and somewhat humbling to read about other people and what fuels them.
~Victoria
October 23, 2019
I huge respect for Robert Redford and the writer, Michael Feeney Callan.
November 24, 2022
An unusually well-written and narrated star biography. . . . this MRI of Robert Redford is as fascinating as its subject.
I have to add this disclaimer: I like biographies. I also will enjoy an autobiography. Our human culture focuses attention on chosen places, ideas, things...and certain people. We are all a fan of someone we picked. I can learn about life, and apply apt lessons, observe wry instances, from how these people live theirs.
Michael Feeney Callen invested years of interviews, with Redford's guidance, in this detailed work. The fact that Robert Redford has entertained us with hugely popular films for several decades is the chronological spine--Redford is darn good at cinema. Each chapter is a behind-the-scenes look at how a movie gets written, cast, produced, marketed, critiqued.
Redford's personal life is shown too, just enough without being intrusive.
Mark Deakins and his clarion clear narration added to the appeal of this book.
I have to add this disclaimer: I like biographies. I also will enjoy an autobiography. Our human culture focuses attention on chosen places, ideas, things...and certain people. We are all a fan of someone we picked. I can learn about life, and apply apt lessons, observe wry instances, from how these people live theirs.
Michael Feeney Callen invested years of interviews, with Redford's guidance, in this detailed work. The fact that Robert Redford has entertained us with hugely popular films for several decades is the chronological spine--Redford is darn good at cinema. Each chapter is a behind-the-scenes look at how a movie gets written, cast, produced, marketed, critiqued.
Redford's personal life is shown too, just enough without being intrusive.
Mark Deakins and his clarion clear narration added to the appeal of this book.
September 14, 2024
What I found captivating about this autobiography is the breadth of detail. While some subjects were deftly sidestepped, the man’s strengths and weaknesses were demonstrated throughout, from a variety of sources.
I personally was interested in learning more about the movies he created that made an impact on me throughout my life,
and here the book delivered.
Just an excellent book into a remarkable, determined and private man.
I personally was interested in learning more about the movies he created that made an impact on me throughout my life,
and here the book delivered.
Just an excellent book into a remarkable, determined and private man.
November 23, 2020
As one review stated it's a detailed account. In his case not everything is as it seemed. Childhood, young adulthood and throughout his life he was a talented but restless soul like all the greats. Good read, you'll learn a lot. They aren't any Redford's, Newman's, Fonda's, Streep's, DeNiro's, Nicholson's Pacino's .... anymore.
June 10, 2011
Tough and Radical Golden Boy
When I began reading this pre-publication biography of Robert Redford, I thought I would be learning about a laid-back guy from California who fell into acting via the gift of his good looks combined with perfect timing. Not so. His life totally surprised me. I know he is a conservationist with liberal political leanings, but I was not aware of the layers of this man's ambition and intellect.
Brought up without money by a wonderful, supportive mother and a critical father, Redford (Bob) was a rebellious child and teen-ager who was constantly aspiring to find what would make him happy. Michael Feeny Callan organizes fourteen years of interviews with Redford, his friends and associates to disclose the essence of the man. He also had access to Redford's personal journals and diaries which gives the reader both sides of this man. He gives equal credence to the golden boy of Hollywood, his political activism for the environment and founder of the independent film Mecca Sundance, a magnificent tract of land located in Utah. Redford has been obsessed with the wilderness, it has brought him peace, solace and helped him transform the landscape of film making.
Redford comes across as a restless egotist. He worked himself beyond fatigue and his stubbornness was uncompromising. He surprised many directors and fellow actors with his demands regarding his characters in movies and plays. What looked so easy for him on stage and film was the product of endless study and overwhelming analysis of the character in the movie or play.
It is surprising that Redford is somewhat of a tyrant. He is an autodidact, a self-taught intellectual, who challenges himself and anyone who will not allow him to proceed as he envisions. I am sure not too many fans know that he is an artist, a painter first before an actor. With his unending talent and ambition, his creativity embraced him as young boy to present day.
There were facets of Redford that were revelatory; his obstinacy gave rise to an autocratic man in all aspects in his life. On the other side, he has not been credited for shaping such memorable movies as The Candidate and All the President's Men. He is brilliant and does not give in. His ability to tough life through appears to be his credo for parenting. He does not appear to be an overly-sympathetic husband or father. There is little revealed in this book about Lola, a Mormon and his first wife; I felt she was short-changed. I also was rather shocked that neither parent sought to investigate their son's illness from childhood. Labeled irritable bowel syndrome, the parents seemed to "let him work it out." Jamie, instead, looked for all types of cures and later discovered he had ulcerative colitis which had been untreated. Later, Jamie was diagnosed with end-term liver disease with a transplant his only hope for survival. After two transplants, Jamie experienced wellness and has a portfolio of educational and artistic accomplishments.
Callan's fourteen years of research and study is evident in this biography. He technically is brilliant as he meshes the chronology of Redford's life with solid interviews and most of all, we hear Redford's voice through his interviews and diaries. Redford's personal and professional relationship with Sydney Pollack serves as a virtual backdrop for the vicissitudes of Redford's life. Callan's writing elevated Redford on an intellectual level, and I recommend the book. Unfortunately, my uncorrected proof did not contain photographs, which certainly would have enhanced my reading!
When I began reading this pre-publication biography of Robert Redford, I thought I would be learning about a laid-back guy from California who fell into acting via the gift of his good looks combined with perfect timing. Not so. His life totally surprised me. I know he is a conservationist with liberal political leanings, but I was not aware of the layers of this man's ambition and intellect.
Brought up without money by a wonderful, supportive mother and a critical father, Redford (Bob) was a rebellious child and teen-ager who was constantly aspiring to find what would make him happy. Michael Feeny Callan organizes fourteen years of interviews with Redford, his friends and associates to disclose the essence of the man. He also had access to Redford's personal journals and diaries which gives the reader both sides of this man. He gives equal credence to the golden boy of Hollywood, his political activism for the environment and founder of the independent film Mecca Sundance, a magnificent tract of land located in Utah. Redford has been obsessed with the wilderness, it has brought him peace, solace and helped him transform the landscape of film making.
Redford comes across as a restless egotist. He worked himself beyond fatigue and his stubbornness was uncompromising. He surprised many directors and fellow actors with his demands regarding his characters in movies and plays. What looked so easy for him on stage and film was the product of endless study and overwhelming analysis of the character in the movie or play.
It is surprising that Redford is somewhat of a tyrant. He is an autodidact, a self-taught intellectual, who challenges himself and anyone who will not allow him to proceed as he envisions. I am sure not too many fans know that he is an artist, a painter first before an actor. With his unending talent and ambition, his creativity embraced him as young boy to present day.
There were facets of Redford that were revelatory; his obstinacy gave rise to an autocratic man in all aspects in his life. On the other side, he has not been credited for shaping such memorable movies as The Candidate and All the President's Men. He is brilliant and does not give in. His ability to tough life through appears to be his credo for parenting. He does not appear to be an overly-sympathetic husband or father. There is little revealed in this book about Lola, a Mormon and his first wife; I felt she was short-changed. I also was rather shocked that neither parent sought to investigate their son's illness from childhood. Labeled irritable bowel syndrome, the parents seemed to "let him work it out." Jamie, instead, looked for all types of cures and later discovered he had ulcerative colitis which had been untreated. Later, Jamie was diagnosed with end-term liver disease with a transplant his only hope for survival. After two transplants, Jamie experienced wellness and has a portfolio of educational and artistic accomplishments.
Callan's fourteen years of research and study is evident in this biography. He technically is brilliant as he meshes the chronology of Redford's life with solid interviews and most of all, we hear Redford's voice through his interviews and diaries. Redford's personal and professional relationship with Sydney Pollack serves as a virtual backdrop for the vicissitudes of Redford's life. Callan's writing elevated Redford on an intellectual level, and I recommend the book. Unfortunately, my uncorrected proof did not contain photographs, which certainly would have enhanced my reading!
November 24, 2022
I got this book for Christmas, and was really looking forward to reading it, I took the excuse of the snow last weekend to actually do pretty much nothing but read!
We start off with a bit of a history lesson that put me in mind of 'The Nearest Faraway Place' By Timothy White, who delved into the heritage of Brian Wilson, I like this style as it shows us the stock as it were that made these people so great!
Redford has Irish heritage that he was very proud of, he also became very interested in the American Indians, and had like Jim Morrison a profound moment or two as a result.
I did enjoy the book, I felt very impressed by Redford for the good that he has done, and I don't just mean in his films, of which of course I love, especially 'Barefoot in the Park', and 'All the Presidents Men', and Mum's fav 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'.
Someone like Redford holds a special place in our lives; a constant, in fact years ago when I lived in Paris and the folks came to visit me, we went to the pictures on the Champs de Elysee and it was a Redford film we went to see, 'Sneakers' and I remember Mum commented that the last time she had been to the pictures was in act 1969 to see the aforementioned 'Butch and Sundance' :-)
It is therefore sad for me to report that the book did not live up to my expectations, I realise it is a biography not an autobiography of which I love, but it would appear the author Michael Feeney Callan was given full access, i just felt when I had finished that I had sat and read a 400 odd page C.V! there wasn't much depth, I still didn't know who Robert Redford is, except for the film and political choices he has made.
For someone who is merely interested in the films this will be great, but for someone like me who would like to know more of the person it was a disappointment.... still a good read, just not the book i had envisaged.
We start off with a bit of a history lesson that put me in mind of 'The Nearest Faraway Place' By Timothy White, who delved into the heritage of Brian Wilson, I like this style as it shows us the stock as it were that made these people so great!
Redford has Irish heritage that he was very proud of, he also became very interested in the American Indians, and had like Jim Morrison a profound moment or two as a result.
I did enjoy the book, I felt very impressed by Redford for the good that he has done, and I don't just mean in his films, of which of course I love, especially 'Barefoot in the Park', and 'All the Presidents Men', and Mum's fav 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'.
Someone like Redford holds a special place in our lives; a constant, in fact years ago when I lived in Paris and the folks came to visit me, we went to the pictures on the Champs de Elysee and it was a Redford film we went to see, 'Sneakers' and I remember Mum commented that the last time she had been to the pictures was in act 1969 to see the aforementioned 'Butch and Sundance' :-)
It is therefore sad for me to report that the book did not live up to my expectations, I realise it is a biography not an autobiography of which I love, but it would appear the author Michael Feeney Callan was given full access, i just felt when I had finished that I had sat and read a 400 odd page C.V! there wasn't much depth, I still didn't know who Robert Redford is, except for the film and political choices he has made.
For someone who is merely interested in the films this will be great, but for someone like me who would like to know more of the person it was a disappointment.... still a good read, just not the book i had envisaged.
April 7, 2020
The book earns points for having the luxury of Redford's actual diary entries, which is a first, considering it's not a posthumous effort. Once the film career begins, it's absorbing and extremely revealing of the man's character via many of his colleagues (Sydney Pollack, Paul Newman) who provide insights. The Redford childhood and youth sections are less effective, mostly because author Callan seems emotionally committed to characterizing Redford as a tormented artist and rebel. But it's hard to sympathize with a rich kid stealing hubcaps and facing the police forces of Beverly Hills, Westwood and Van Nuys. The other parts of the book dedicated to Redford's Sundance Institute and its numerous side operations, which include ski facilities and restaurants, can be interesting or extremely boring. This depends on the reader's interest in tax shelters and business plans. Luckily, the movie sections are detailed and 3-dimensional.
January 10, 2013
Exceptionally well written and engaging. I have been a huge fan of Robert Redford's since I was a teenager and I still am.
I thought Michael Feeney Callan did an outstanding job of capturing Bob's voice in sharing the stories of how be became a man, to make movies and his environmental causes. I knew nothing of his personal life or how passionate he was about every project that he took on and why he took them on. The background information on the making of all of my favorite films was riveting. He is an gifted actor and director, his vision and stubbornness is renowned.
Keeping journals throughout his life gave Mr. Callan the solid base from which to write. There was no fluff in this book at all. It is fast moving start to finish and loaded with juicy information.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Next, I'll have to find Paul Newman's bio.
I thought Michael Feeney Callan did an outstanding job of capturing Bob's voice in sharing the stories of how be became a man, to make movies and his environmental causes. I knew nothing of his personal life or how passionate he was about every project that he took on and why he took them on. The background information on the making of all of my favorite films was riveting. He is an gifted actor and director, his vision and stubbornness is renowned.
Keeping journals throughout his life gave Mr. Callan the solid base from which to write. There was no fluff in this book at all. It is fast moving start to finish and loaded with juicy information.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Next, I'll have to find Paul Newman's bio.
August 6, 2017
First, I am, and always have been, a big fan of Robert Redford's works, environmental concerns, cultural/Spiritual ideas, and what I perceive to be his politics. Most of the things set forth in this book, I already knew, but I thought I might learn something new, so I downloaded it to my Kindle. I wish I had read the earlier reviews before I took the journey of reading this boring book.
Second, the author must have been paid by the word as he compiled as many words as possible; no wonder it took him ten years to write it. To paraphrase one of Redford's quotes, on page 368 (Kindle): "Do we really need to know such a huge amount of detail about the minutiae of every person and event of the lives of every person who ever interacted with Robert Redford?" My answer is NO; we wanted to read about Redford, not every person with whom Redford ever came into contact with.
Second, the author must have been paid by the word as he compiled as many words as possible; no wonder it took him ten years to write it. To paraphrase one of Redford's quotes, on page 368 (Kindle): "Do we really need to know such a huge amount of detail about the minutiae of every person and event of the lives of every person who ever interacted with Robert Redford?" My answer is NO; we wanted to read about Redford, not every person with whom Redford ever came into contact with.
February 15, 2016
This book reminds me that reading bios of other people is inspiring. Ok, ok - I'm totally biased when it comes to anything RR related. However, reading this new bio helped me understand why my crush on this guy runs deeper than his strawberry-blonde locks and charming smile. The guy is a rebellious maverick who stubbornly focuses on his visions and dreams. He is willing to go against the "popular norm" of Hollywood and even his friends - What's not to like? The book doesn't candy-coat his disappointments, family struggles, and [gasp!]faults (aloofness, loner, arrogance) but also provides an unsentimental look at his intelligence, humor, compassion, and his tireless committment to his kids, environmental activism, independent films, his own film career. Rock on, Robert!
March 9, 2012
Robert Redford is a rather elusive actor. His contemporary movies are few and far between and aside from his participation at Sundance and its annual film festival, you don't really hear about him in the news. He is one of my favorite actors (I may be only 30 but "The Way We Were" and "The Sting" are two of my favorite films) so it was a wonderful opportunity to get inside his head, which is not an exaggeration since biographer Michael Feeney Callan frequently quotes Redford's own personal journals.
At 400 pages, it might seem intimidating but I found it well paced and, well, maybe not a "quick" read but it kept my attention and I quickly became immersed, fascinated by the story and the way it was told.
At 400 pages, it might seem intimidating but I found it well paced and, well, maybe not a "quick" read but it kept my attention and I quickly became immersed, fascinated by the story and the way it was told.
July 9, 2018
This is an interesting, thoughtful biography of movie star Robert Redford, documenting his life in detail up until its publication in 2011. Author Callan had access to personal papers, including journals, script notes, and correspondence, and spent plenty of time with his subject, giving an insight rarely seen in modern biographies. Yet despite the voluminous source material, there is something missing. Sometimes Callan gushes like a fanboy, gives some movies almost no attention, glosses over some of the more controversial and personal issues, and he is overly sentimental on several occasions. However, as a biography, it does its job: you feel you know Redford much better by the time you get to the end. It just could have been a little more comprehensive and a little less saccharine.
January 11, 2017
Well, it's easy to think that 4.75/5 stars comes from me because my love for Redford is monumental. But I give the stars as I would to any book - because of the writing. I found Callan's writing to be well done and his research to be on point. I also very much like that this is not a gossipy biography and it's got a real "warts and all" feel to it. I don't care one whit who Redford dated after his marriage or what happened in the gossip columns. I care about the work, the character, and the passions of someone that I admire.
I felt that Callan met those points for me and put out a very readable and honest biography.
I felt that Callan met those points for me and put out a very readable and honest biography.
April 12, 2012
A pretty good bio of one of Hollywood's top actors — and activists.
Two biggest takeaways? Redford is a control freak. Perhaps because of that, Redford is disorganized. (On time, and his well-known-in-Hollywood lateness, I'm not sure whether that's a manifestation of being a control freak, or of disorganization.)
We learn a fair amount about his drive to preserve the Sundance area, and create the festival, etc. there. And we see his two big issues at work here, just as much as on the movie set.
Two biggest takeaways? Redford is a control freak. Perhaps because of that, Redford is disorganized. (On time, and his well-known-in-Hollywood lateness, I'm not sure whether that's a manifestation of being a control freak, or of disorganization.)
We learn a fair amount about his drive to preserve the Sundance area, and create the festival, etc. there. And we see his two big issues at work here, just as much as on the movie set.
April 26, 2018
I have always been a fan of Robert Redford. Now I feel I know him a bit better, not just through the movies he chose to make, but his concern for the environment and future of the movie industry. He learned to use his celebrity to further the causes that were important to him; not just for his own personal ego boost. There is so much more to him than the movies he made.
I was a fan before I read the book, but I now admire the man that Mr. Redford is in person. He is so much more than any character he ever played.
I was a fan before I read the book, but I now admire the man that Mr. Redford is in person. He is so much more than any character he ever played.
May 5, 2012
Redford is not just a handsome movie star to me any longer. This book lets the reader know his good and bad points. Good actor, dedicated conservationist, poor businessman. Don't like him as well as I did before reading this book. He came down from the pedestal I had him on once I finished the book. It is a tedious read with lots of details. I do want to see more of his movies now that I have some background.
May 23, 2017
Along with a history of American film, I explored a journey of a true American hero whose portrayal in the book doesn't seem to be deeper than the compiled results of web surfing though, it's well written and provokes me to think passionately about our land, heritage, culture, people and future. I struggle to grow out of infatuation (i.e. digging out all the classics to watch...) to search a gifted man who is talented and flawed with a compassionate and solitary soul.
October 19, 2021
Great read. Probably, at least in part, it is a 5 star read for me because I am a fan of Redford's and the way he presents his art by perfectly underplaying the characters that he inhabits.
Often, for me, bios are books to dip into and later, renew the taste for, when they get to the top of the bedside pile. Not this one.
Well paced. MFC doesn't allow it to plod along at the bottom of a trough, at any stage. A cover to cover read without the bedside shuffle.
Often, for me, bios are books to dip into and later, renew the taste for, when they get to the top of the bedside pile. Not this one.
Well paced. MFC doesn't allow it to plod along at the bottom of a trough, at any stage. A cover to cover read without the bedside shuffle.
June 13, 2011
I adore Robert Redford, so this book was already starting out biased for me. I found it interesting, engaging, and for the most part pretty honest. It doesn't go as deep as a really great biography should, but it serves its function of portraying his childhood, sets of his movies, and environmental activism.
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