TORONTO -- Screen legend Robert Redford says it took some serious convincing to get Julie Christie to appear in his new film "The Company You Keep."
In an interview Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival, Redford said he was captivated by Christie in Sarah Polley's "Away from Her" and wanted her for his new movie.
Even though he didn't know Christie, Redford says he felt a "kinship" with the actress because they broke out at the same time.
"The Way We Were" star said Christie did everything she could to get out of doing the new movie, but Redford persisted, even calling Polley for advice on how to get her on board.
"The Company You Keep" tells the story of an ex-1960s radical who has been in hiding for over 30 years, until a young journalist uncovers his identity.
Redford directs and stars alongside Christie, Nick Nolte, Shia LaBeouf and Stanley Tucci.
The Toronto International Film Festival runs until Sept. 16.
