Director
David Lowery
(A GHOST STORY)

Starring
Robert Redford, Sissy Spacek, Danny Glover and Casey Affleck

In what was originally reported to be Robert Redford’s final film before retirement, the actor serves up his usual charisma in a surprisingly warm tale of a career criminal reaching the end of his journey.  In a poignant juxtaposition for Redford in the twilight of his professional life, The Old Man & the Gun is based on the true story of Forrest Tucker, a bank robber and escape artist whose less than legitimate career spanned some six decades.

The premise for the film is simple and it feels easy throughout. It never really challenges the audience, but instead takes you on a nice little trip where you kind of forget that the protagonist’s main pastime is inadvertently traumatising bank tellers. There is a slow calmness to the story, owing perhaps to the early 1980’s setting, where life was a little less complicated. Even during hold ups and car chases, you always feel like Tucker is in control and carefree, which is certainly an interesting take for this type of story.

Redford and Sissy Spacek have an effortless chemistry that’s endearing to witness, and Casey Affleck adds value as the dogged but almost respecting detective trying to reveal the identity of the geriatric gentleman who’s raked it in though countless robberies across the country.

David Lowery’s direction is special and captivating, although he could have raised the stakes a little with the story development. Ultimately The Old Man & the Gun makes you feel ‘nice’ when perhaps it could have made you feel more, especially given the talent on hand. Ultimately this film feels like a nostalgic little stroll through the leaves while you listen to a bit of Carole King, not that that’s a bad thing at all.

3 stars

Trailer
The Old Man & the Gun

Moviedoc thanks Entertainment One for the invite to the screening of this film.

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