One of Robert Redford’s Best Performances Is Almost Entirely Silent

The emergence of the “New Hollywood” era in American filmmaking saw a rise in uniquely versatile actors whose screen personas varied drastically from the preceding generation’s stars. Chief among this new crop of talent was Robert Redford, a sharply charismatic performer known for playing heroic roles. Whether he was a real-life journalist in All the President’s Men, a streetwise bank robber in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, or an unassuming political novice in The Candidate, Redford exuded authority and integrity in his best roles. His naturally upbeat personality and knack for delivering verbose passages of dialogue were essential in the creation of his characters. Although much of his best work was defined by iconic lines, Redford’s nearly silent performance in the survival thriller All is Lost ranks among his very best.