Robert Redford’s venture into unwanted comedy films reached a turning point with his role in the 1986 movie Legal Eagles, leaving him with lasting regret over the decision that temporarily veered away from his strengths as an actor and director. Although Redford’s career boasts numerous accolades and influential roles, his foray into mainstream comedy stands out as an uneasy chapter shaped by conflicting advice, particularly from his agent Michael Ovitz.
Throughout his decades in Hollywood, Redford established a reputation as one of the most charismatic and versatile stars of his time, celebrated for both his dramatic performances and his skillful direction, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director on his very first feature film. He was renowned for his ability to captivate audiences without resorting to formulaic crowd-pleasers, and instead chose projects reflecting his personal values and artistic integrity.
Redford’s Distinct Approach to Comedy
Despite his on-screen magnetism, Robert Redford never fully identified with comedy, often feeling out of place within the genre’s broad slapstick and fast-paced humor that dominated Hollywood cinema, especially as the 1970s transitioned into the 1980s. He was not opposed to the occasional well-timed quip—his natural charm allowed for it—but he did not naturally gravitate toward comedic roles designed to elicit constant laughter.
Redford drew inspiration from the sophisticated comedic stylings of classic Hollywood:
“When I thought movie comedy, I thought Capra, Wilder, Cary Grant, Tracy and Hepburn,”
—Robert Redford, Actor. He appreciated the nuance and timing of those icons, yet was troubled by the direction modern comedy was taking.
“And when I wanted alternative comedy, I went for George Carlin. But I hated where ‘hip’ comedy went in the 70s. It was a terrible cycle.”
—Robert Redford, Actor. The era’s new comedic movement, driven by figures like Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, John Landis, Ivan Reitman, and John Belushi, left him uneasy.
The Decision to Take on Legal Eagles
Despite his reservations, Redford accepted the role in Legal Eagles, a film that would pair him with director Ivan Reitman, one of the leading voices behind the evolving comedic landscape. A significant factor in his decision was the guidance of his agent, as Redford later recalled,
“When I took on Legal Eagles, I didn’t look into the people or the style closely enough. I just felt I should be open to Mike’s advice.”
—Robert Redford, Actor. This openness to outside influence marked a temporary departure from his usual meticulous project selection.
Legal Eagles saw Redford cast as a dedicated lawyer entangled in a high-profile case involving Darryl Hannah’s character, a thief accused of stealing works created by her late father. Debra Winger played Hannah’s defense attorney, setting up a blend of professional rivalry and romantic tension that followed familiar tropes of the genre. As the narrative unfolded, Redford’s character found himself wrapped up in both personal complications and standard courtroom intrigue, a formula designed for broad appeal.
Reflecting on Regrets and Lessons Learned
With the benefit of hindsight, Redford described the film critically:
“a patchwork of clichés from any number of TV legal dramas and caper movies,”
—Robert Redford, Actor. The experience became a pivotal lesson in the importance of trusting his own instincts rather than allowing industry pressure or well-meaning advice to dictate his creative path. Ultimately, he summarized his reflection on the project simply: I should have been wiser.
While Legal Eagles did manage to triple its production budget through ticket sales, it never achieved critical acclaim and remains a notable misstep in Redford’s filmography. This chapter, though not the lowest point of his career, underscored his discomfort in the world of mainstream comedy and reinforced his preference for more nuanced dramatic or character-driven works.
Lasting Impact on Redford’s Career
Redford’s brief involvement in comedy reaffirmed his strengths and helped anchor his legacy as a principal figure of the New Hollywood era, known for making deliberate choices that aligned with his abilities and artistic beliefs. The lessons from Legal Eagles resonated throughout his subsequent projects and interviews, shaping his image as a performer and director who valued authenticity over fleeting trends. Though the film itself holds a modest place in box office history, its true significance lies in the cautionary tale it provided for one of Hollywood’s enduring icons.
