BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) ***1/2 The all-time champion "buddy" movie. Paul Newman confirms that he's the more accomplished actor, but Robert Redford demands the most attention as the charismatic Sundance. Redford has never been better, imbuing his character with the mannerisms of the king of the gunslingers while wryly acknowledging his mental limitations with an ambiguous smile to rival Mona Lisa. Katharine Ross appears so astounded with the brilliance of some of her lines that she's unable to utter them with the passion that they deserve, but her relationship with the camera is gentle and attractive, she's never looked more beautiful. George Roy Hill appropriates, rather than indulges, the late '60s appetite for directorial abstraction. Under his touch the musical interludes and stills are more charming than revolutionary; which means that they've worn well but aren't what gives this film cachet. The historical value unquestionably lies in the interplay between Redford and Newman, worthy film icons for the wildest generation since, since...perhaps the legendary final still says it better than anything else, though I've never been convinced that the result of that impending blaze of glory would be their last. Inspired one of the all time great Mad Magazine film satires, "Butch Cassidy and the Sumdunce Kid."
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