Robert Redford’s Spirit Lives On: ‘Jeremiah Johnson’ & the Comic Book World Mourn a Legend
Geneva, Switzerland – The world of cinema and beyond is in mourning following the news of Robert Redford’s passing at the age of 89. While celebrated for a vast and varied career, a lesser-known but deeply resonant connection to the actor’s legacy has emerged: the profound impact his 1972 film, Jeremiah Johnson, had on Swiss comic artist Jacques de Ribaupierre, known as Derib, and the creation of his beloved series, Buddy Longway. This isn’t just an obituary; it’s a story of artistic inspiration, cultural resonance, and a cinematic icon whose influence extends far beyond the silver screen. This is a breaking news story with lasting cultural significance, optimized for Google News and SEO visibility.
From the Rockies to the Comic Strip: ‘Jeremiah Johnson’s’ Enduring Influence
Jeremiah Johnson, a stark and visually arresting Western, depicted a mountain man’s solitary existence and his complex relationship with both the wilderness and the Native American tribes of the Rocky Mountains. For Derib, then a young artist striving to make his mark in the world of comics, the film was a revelation. “I was then totally immersed in Native American culture and I became aware of what Robert Redford was wearing,” Derib recalled, speaking from his home overlooking Lake Geneva. “It was a click, above all on the graphic level.”
The film’s power lay in its portrayal of nature not as a backdrop, but as a central character. Director Sydney Pollack masterfully captured the immensity and unforgiving beauty of the landscape, a technique that deeply resonated with Derib. “Suddenly Pollack succeeded in the tour de force to make the landscape a leading character, to the point that it will have permanently influenced my way of frame – to place very small characters in boxes devoured by nature,” Derib explained. This visual approach became a hallmark of Buddy Longway, a series that transported generations of readers into the world of the American frontier.
Redford: Beyond the Hollywood Icon
While films like Out of Africa and The Sting cemented Redford’s status as a Hollywood leading man, Jeremiah Johnson hinted at the deeper convictions that would define his career. Long before environmentalism became a mainstream concern, the film highlighted the fragility of the natural world and the devastating impact of westward expansion on Native American cultures. This progressive sensibility would later blossom in Redford’s founding of the Sundance Film Festival in 1985, a platform for independent filmmakers and a champion of diverse voices.
Redford’s commitment to these ideals wasn’t merely performative. He actively used his platform to advocate for environmental protection and Native American rights, embodying the spirit of the character he portrayed in Jeremiah Johnson – a man who sought solace and meaning in a world increasingly disconnected from nature. He was a long informed rider, recognized for his talent for representation the horses, and this prowess was also noted by Derib.
The Legacy of ‘Buddy Longway’ and a Shared Vision
Derib’s Buddy Longway, which debuted in 1974 and ran for twenty albums, wasn’t simply a Western comic. It was a nuanced exploration of cultural understanding, respect for nature, and the challenges of survival. The series, alongside his creation of the children’s character Yakari, introduced countless readers to the rich history and traditions of Native American peoples. The success of Chinook, a precursor to Buddy Longway, was fueled by the momentum gained from this artistic awakening.
The echoes of Jeremiah Johnson can be seen throughout Buddy Longway, not just in its visual style but also in its thematic concerns. Both works grapple with the complexities of the frontier experience, the clash of cultures, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Redford’s performance, and Pollack’s direction, provided a blueprint for a more thoughtful and respectful portrayal of the American West.
Robert Redford’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy – both on screen and in the hearts and minds of artists like Derib – will continue to inspire for generations to come. As Derib poignantly observed, “Some say he’s dead… some say he never will be.” And in the enduring spirit of Jeremiah Johnson and the world of Buddy Longway, perhaps that sentiment rings truer than ever.
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