the old man and the gun
★★★
DIRECTOR: david lowery (ain't them bodies saints, pete's dragon, a ghost story)
STARRING: robert redford, sissy spacek, john david washington, and casey affleck
REVIEWER: lyall carter
At the age of 70, Forrest Tucker makes an audacious escape from San Quentin, conducting an unprecedented string of heists that confound authorities and enchant the public. Wrapped up in the pursuit are detective John Hunt, who becomes captivated with Forrest's commitment to his craft, and a woman who loves him in spite of his chosen profession.
Earlier this year Robert Redford said that he would be retiring from acting with many believing that The Old Man and the Gun would be his last film. Redford has since clarified that it wouldn't be his last film that he would just simply slip away. If The Old Man and the Gun was to be his last performance then it is a grand one at that.
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Forrest Tucker has been robbing banks all of his life. While making his get away from his latest hold up, Tucker meets Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a farmer, and they strike up a relationship. But Tuckers obsessive need to hold up banks is slowly catching up with him as he attracts the attention of Detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck) who is determined to have him in cuffs before long.
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The Old Man and the Gun is an intriguing enough, almost true (we're told), story. Along side the stealing and police car chases there are musings on everything from one's life purpose to getting old. Its just the way that it unfolds that feels, even at just over one and a half hours, a little dragged out.
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Don't get me wrong the performances are all terrific with so much being said from Redford's speechless, soulful face. Sissy Spacek is, as always, superb and Casey Affleck give another great performance. Danny Glover and Tom Waits make up the rest of Redford's 'over the hill' gang but we see them way to infrequently. If you enjoy profound, introspective performances then The Old Man and the Gun is definitely one to add to the watch list.
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Even though it feels a little too long, The Old Man and the Gun has superb ensemble cast lead masterfully by the magnificent Robert Redford.
★★★
