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The Electric Horseman | Year: 1979 Classification: Drama Directed: - Sydney Pollack Actors/Actresses: - Robert Redford - Jane Fonda A Cowboy Finds Redemption "The Electric Horseman" is one of those movies that I have seen in bits and pieces on TV over the last few years. Just recently one rainy Saturday afternoon I was able to see the whole thing on DVD and find out what a enjoyable fim I had been missing.Robert Redford plays former champion rodeo rider, Sonny Steele, who has become a spokesperson for a large corporation pushing breakfast cereal.His life is now a string of endless, dreary appearences riding around in a ridiculous electric suit.He seems to have lost his self-respect and continually drowns himself in tequila and wild times.It is at a Las Vegas convention that Sonny awakens from his stupor, when he finds out that the corporation is mistreating Rising Star, a former horse racing champion.Sonny kidnaps the horse and on the run meets an enterprising and determined reporter (well played by Jane Fonda)as he attempts to release the animal into the wild. This is a wonderful story of a man who is sick of compromising and must rediscover what was good about himself.It is only then that he can find some redemption. Redford and Fonda are both excellent in the lead roles and have loads of chemistry together.They are also complemented by a good supporting cast that includes Valerie Perine and country singer, Willie Nelson.Mention should also be made of the beautiful cinematography which shows off some amazing western desert landscapes.The movie also has a good soundtrack which includes songs by Willie Nelson.My only complaint is that the DVD itelf is very bare bones and nothing to shout about.There are no extras and not even a trailer or proper menu.Still,it is a very good movie and I highly recommend it. Could use a Jolt. I stumbled across The Electric Horseman while browsing the shelves at my videostore (as I often do). I had never heard of it, but I figured Robert Redford and Sydney Pollack collaborations are always good and Jane fonda is always great, how bad could it be? Well, I was right and I was wrong. I understand now why I hadn't heard of it, but it was worth seeing. Redford plays Sonny Steele, a former rodeo world champion who has resigned to the mediocrity of being a breakfast food spokesman now that his glory days are behind him. Oh, he also likes to drink a little, if a little was like saying, "Arnold likes to hit the gym a little." In any case while attending a promotion in Las Vegas Stelle is introduced to Rising Star, a former champion being exploited, like himself, except Rising Star is a horse. He also meets Hallie (Fonda), a reporter who takes an interest in Steele when she senses the company doesn't want her to talk to him. During the promotion Steele saddles up on Rising Star and heads off into the wild. Let the manhunt begin! Guess who is the first to find him? It's not too hard. This is why The Electric Horseman is just an okay film instead of a good film. It never gets too deep and it is ever so predictable. It should have delved into it's characters more. However, the acting is good and the story, although predictable, is charming and well staged. There are several very good scenes as well. A quick observation. I would never knock Robert Redford. That would be treason and they used to hang people at high noon for that. But, if I had to raise a minor complaint, it would be that he never let's the audience get inside. Of course this is what makes him Robert Redford, but for a guy who has uncanny insight into the human condition as a filmmaker (please see Ordinary People and A River Runs Through It if you don't follow me), he seems to be too reseved in some of his performances. This film is a good example. Why his wife devorces him or why he drinks so much are never addressed. It is easy enough to assume why this is, but in a film like this, a film where the leading lady is a journalist, it should have been dragged out of him. Certainly Fonda has the acting chops to pull it off. Redford is still the man though, like I said, if I had to complain. Image Entertainment release of this movie I must disagree with the "Widescreen Review" of the image on this movie. They rated it a 2 out of 5. While non-anamorphic, and retaining a certain graininess, as compared to pristinely transferred movies, I have certainly seen much worse transfers of movies. Given that the correct intro music is on the Image release and not the later Universal release, I would still recommend this disk to anyone interested in this movie. The movie itself is a definite 4 of 5. The transfer rates about a 3. It is, however, a bare-bones edition. Not even a main menu. Just scene selection and the movie. Buy The Electric Horseman at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  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