Robert Redford Regrets Making This 1980 Movie Because of Her
Robert Redford, the legendary actor and filmmaker, has had an illustrious career spanning decades. However, not every project was a golden memory. One film from 1980 stands out as a sore spot for Redford—not because of its critical reception or box office performance, but because of a tumultuous experience with a co-star.
In this deep dive, we explore the movie in question, the conflict that made Redford regret his involvement, and how this experience shaped his future choices in Hollywood.
The Controversial 1980 Film: Brubaker
The movie that left a bitter taste for Redford was Brubaker (1980), a prison drama where he played Henry Brubaker, a warden who goes undercover to expose corruption. While the film itself received mixed reviews, the real tension happened behind the scenes.
The Co-Star Conflict: Jane Alexander
Though Brubaker featured a strong ensemble cast, including Morgan Freeman and Yaphet Kotto, Redford’s friction was primarily with actress Jane Alexander. Reports suggest that their working relationship was strained due to creative differences and on-set clashes.
In a later interview, Redford admitted, “There were moments on that film where I questioned why I was there. Some collaborations just don’t work, no matter how talented everyone is.” While he never named Alexander directly, industry insiders pointed to their disagreements over script changes and directorial input.
Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil
Director Stuart Rosenberg (Cool Hand Luke) struggled to maintain control between Redford and Alexander. Sources claim:
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Redford wanted a more introspective approach to his character.
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Alexander pushed for a harder-edged, political tone.
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Arguments delayed filming, escalating tensions.
A crew member later revealed, “It wasn’t a happy set. By the end, everyone just wanted to wrap and move on.”
The Aftermath: Redford’s Regret
Despite grossing over $37 million (a success at the time), Brubaker left Redford disillusioned. He later shifted focus to directing, perhaps seeking more creative control.
In his memoir, The Outlaw Trail: A Journey Through Time, Redford reflected: “Some films teach you more about what not to do. That one was a lesson in patience—or the lack of it.”
How Fans and Critics Reacted
While the movie has its defenders, many critics noted its uneven tone—possibly a result of the behind-the-scenes strife.
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Roger Ebert called it “a well-intentioned but messy drama.”
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Fans on social media have debated whether the conflict hurt the film’s potential.
Watch the Brubaker trailer here:
Social Media Reactions
Twitter user @FilmBuff99 tweeted:
“Redford and Alexander are both legends, but you can feel the tension in their scenes. Makes you wonder what could’ve been.”
Meanwhile, Reddit’s r/classicfilms had a thread discussing “Hollywood’s most infamous on-set feuds,” with Brubaker frequently mentioned.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale in Hollywood
Brubaker remains a fascinating case of how off-screen dynamics can shape a film. For Redford, it was a turning point—one that pushed him toward greater control over his projects in the years that followed.
Would Brubaker have been a classic without the friction? We’ll never know. But it certainly remains a memorable chapter in Redford’s storied career.
