So, there I was, scrolling through Netflix the other night, and I stumbled upon The Natural. You know, that classic baseball movie with Robert Redford. I've seen it a million times, but this time, it hit me - how old was Redford when he filmed this thing? I mean, he's looking pretty spry for a guy who's supposed to be a washed-up has-been, right?
Alright, let's rewind a bit. The Natural was released in 1984, and it's a fantastic film, don't get me wrong. But Redford, playing Roy Hobbs, is supposed to be this aging, past-his-prime ballplayer. So, I started wondering, was Redford even old enough to pull off that look?
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Hey, isn't Redford, like, a million years old?" Well, yes and no. As of 2021, he's 85, which is, let's face it, pretty darn impressive. But back in 1984, when The Natural was filmed, he was a mere... 47 years old.
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I know, right? I was shocked too. I mean, he looks great for his age now, but back then, he was practically a spring chicken! So, how did they pull off that 'aging' look? Well, it's all about the hair, folks. Or rather, the lack thereof. Redford's signature locks were hidden under a wig for most of the film. And let's not forget the makeup. A little gray in the sideburns, some wrinkles here and there, and voila! Aging movie magic at its finest.
But here's where it gets interesting. Redford wasn't just playing a character; he was also an executive producer on the film. So, he had a say in how things were done. And get this, he actually insisted on looking older. He wanted Roy Hobbs to be a man who'd seen some serious mileage, both on and off the field. So, they aged him up, and the rest is cinematic history.
Robert Redford passes at 89; screen legend was honored in Czechia in
Now, you might be wondering, why all the fuss about Redford's age? Well, it's not just about the movie. It's about how we perceive age, especially in Hollywood. Redford was in his late 40s, playing a character who was supposed to be in his 30s but looked like he was in his 50s. It's a bit of a mind-bender, isn't it?
And let's not forget, Redford was already a Hollywood heavyweight by then. He'd been in the game for decades, and he was still going strong. So, in a way, The Natural was a testament to his enduring appeal, even if his character was supposed to be past his prime.
So, the next time you watch The Natural, take a closer look at Redford. He might not be as old as you think, but he sure as heck knows how to play the part. And who knows? Maybe you'll appreciate the movie - and Redford - just a little bit more.