Robert Redford attacks David Cameron over 'narrow views' on British film industry

Hollywood veteran Robert Redford has criticised David Cameron's call for the British film industry to make more commercial films.

The Sting star said the Prime Minister's view was "very narrow" and joked "that may be why he's in trouble".

Mr Cameron said the Government should help "UK producers to make commercially successful pictures" before a visit to Pinewood Studios in January.

Speaking yesterday ahead of last night's London version of his Sundance Festival, Redford said: "That view, I think, is very narrow.

"It doesn't speak to the broad category of filmmakers and artists."

He also criticised his own government which he said failed to offer "money and acknowledgement" to the arts.

Redford also warned technology had "got a little too far" in the film industry and said he was "not a particular fan" of 3D.

He said: "My feeling right now is things have gone too far, at some great cost by the way, and time will tell whether it really works or not".

The star also revealed he was opposed to including the hit song Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head in the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid which teamed him up with Paul Newman for the first time.

The song is used in a famous scene where Newman shares a bicycle with co-star Katherine Ross.

Redford said: "A film that I was in, Butch Cassidy, the music played a huge role.

"I didn't see it at the time because I thought it was stupid.

"Suddenly there was a scene where the guy was singing Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head and it isn't even raining and I thought 'Jesus, what?'.

"Well, how wrong was I?"