The Electric Horseman

This movie is just about perfect. There's not a single wrong note. There's humor, action, inspiration, redemption; a truly wonderful supporting cast; Redford and Fonda at the top of their games; and a great story to tell.I've used Electric Horseman to teach about symbolism -- Sonny and Rising Star parallel each other throughout the story. They each start out as drugged-out has-beens, struggle to regain some self-respect, and end up where we knew they belonged. When Sonny sets Rising Star free, he sets himself free. Perfection.The cast: I was never a great fan of Redford or Fonda -- until this movie. John Saxon -- I never thought I'd praise his work, but as the primary "heavy" of this film he was just fight, maybe even a little sympathetic. And his henchmen were fine. Valerie Perrine -- a charming bubblehead. And you always get high-quality work from Willie Nelson and Wilford Brimley.This is a film to buy and treasure -- a top 10 all-time in my book.

Everything we expected.

I just lked this old movie-- I like Robert Redford and Jane Fonda movies. I liked the story line

He stops at nothing to save this horse and keep him safe. It's also exciting as he rides down the street all lit up, then he pulls the plug and dark.

Movie still speaks to issues around our treatment of animals in our times. Well done.

There's a special place in my heart for this film. Redford and Fonda are fantastic as Sonny and Hallie. A rodeo star relegated to advertising cereal in an electrified lit cowboy suit atop a drugged race horse. Intrepid reporter, Hallie, feels that there is more to Sonny than his drunken performance and seeks to interview the sullen man. When Sonny learns what the fate of Rising Star will be, he takes Rising Star and sets out on a journey to return the horse to the life it was born to lead. Hallie follows and befriends Sonny and the horse and together they defy and outwit the the corporation who is exploiting them and their journey. While the plot seems simple enough the chemistry between Redford and Fonda is explosive and subtle at the same time. As the miles continue to be left behind them each shares their stories and their hearts as to what drives them to rebel in their own ways and how they feel about everything that has touched their lives. Fonda does an exceptional job as Hallie, drawing out the sullen cowboy Redford, to trust in her and trust what is right. The conversations around the campfire at night are emotional and raw with enough sexual tension to make the air crackle. This film is a rare diamond in the rough.

Always loved this film- there was something about the rising corporate landscape right at that moment in time that the script and the cast- Robert Redford particularly, caught in some way. As for me, I was a young slim and proud bike rider, but knew it had to end soon. And I was just discovering the west for myself. It all seemed to fit where I was in life personally. Never had a copy of the movie, but I had the soundtrack on vinyl as soon as I saw it back then on first release- Heck, we didn't even HAVE VCRS then. And the song "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" was a stellar track and a big part of the film. It's disappearance is almost a strange metaphoric reflection of the film itself, the same way I think Rising Star could be a metaphor for the American public- mismanaged by corporate Barons.I guess if you asked why the song is gone, you'd get some burblings about copyrights and legalities. I wonder.If I could have I would have tried to find a copy with the song still in it. I think this version is good otherwise, but I read the reviews here that report the song gone in fact just an hour or so before it was delivered. I love Hollywood, particularly at it's best as in this film, and I hate to se it desecrated. For what?

I've been wanting to add this movie to my collection for a long time, but I wouldn't get it with that awful generic soundtrack. I'm so thankful that this Blu-Ray copy has all of Willie's great songs restored to it. Redford & Fonda are terrific in this well-paced story of corporate culture vs. a rugged individualist. We saw it back when first came out in 1979, and it's held up pretty well for the most part - okay the disco parts of the soundtrack are a little annoying, but it was the 70s. But Willie's great tunes more than make up for it. Do yourself a favor, skip the DVD, and go straight for the Blu-Ray - because My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.

I had never seen or even heard of this film but during UK lockdown I'm having a Robert Redford phase to cheer me up. :) I actually think it is now my favourite of all his films - it's funny and his character is so like-able. The two stars, Robert and Jane Fonda, work so well together. I find it just enjoyable and uplifting and have already watched a couple of times. The only negative I would say is that due to the age of the film, the sound is not great when the sets are in the noisy Las Vegas casinos. It's difficult to hear the dialogue clearly at those times. However having said this, the film itself has not dated at all despite it being set in the 1970s. Loved it and absolutely recommend.

Although this film now looks quite dated, once you've overcome that this is the excellent film I remembered it being from1979/80. The charismatic Robert Redford reprises his cowboy persona with the same glamour and intensity with which he played Sundance, Jane Fonda supports strongly, and the film turns into a winsome parable about materialism and nature. If you are looking for a 21st Century film, this dvd is not for you, but if you're more open minded, this is a gentle treasure.

Great storyline. With Robert Redford and Willie Nelson 's music, what more could you ask?

A great film, with two of the most famous actors to grace the screen, both in their prime, a real chemistry between them. And the horse is beautiful! Willy Nelson plays his part in his usual laid back style.

Great film Redford in his element uplifting story and some stunning scenery