This stands out as the definitive and only significant movie about downhill ski racing. Robert Redford delivered a strong performance portraying David Chappellet, a solitary figure from Colorado who competes alongside an American team striving for Olympic gold in Europe. Gene Hackman appears as the coach attempting to manage Chappellet's self-centeredness and dangerous pursuit of victory. "Downhill Racer" was …

It’s rare to find a film that so accurately portrays what many would see as the privileged, exceptionally skilled, young athlete—I’d specify ‘American,’ but I think Redford’s depiction holds true even if they weren’t. Michael Ritchie really hit the mark with this one; it's seriously overlooked. The poster raises questions too, prompting a thought that the title might be intentionally layered (rather than just clever …