*My capsule review of The Old Man & the Gun was originally published on Film Inquiry as part of my second report from Film Fest 919. Click here to read the original post and check out more great reviews from this awesome site!*
If we're being totally honest, David Lowery's The Old Man & the Gun likely won't be industry icon Robert Redford's last appearance on the silver screen. His last big starring role? Possibly. His last movie ever? I doubt it. But if I'm wrong and this does go down in Tinseltown history as the final bow for the Oscar winner and Sundance founder, it's sure to gain a reputation as a breezy, effortlessly charming slice of mellow heist fun, highlighted by laid back robberies and a quirky sense of style. It's the movie equivalent of a mischievous grin.
Redford plays Forrest Tucker, who is characterized by everyone familiar with him as probably the nicest criminal in history. The older fella is practically addicted to robbing banks, but he never intends to hurt a soul. In one scene, a young girl at the counter says that it's her first day on the job as the old man robs the bank. "Well, there's a first time for everything," Forrest replies with a smile.
After a particularly clever job, Forrest and his associates (Danny Glover & Tom Waits) catch the attention of John Hunt (Casey Affleck), a cop who subsequently devotes his entire life to catching what he deems the "Over the Hill Gang." The case becomes something of a public spectacle in the process, putting the crew in greater danger. At the same time, Forrest finds meaning outside of robbing banks through his relationship with Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a friendly, no-nonsense woman with a calming horse farm.
From this foundation, the film splits its time between very mild commentary on the process of aging and jaunty heist scenes that celebrate Forrest's ingenuity and rebellious spirit. I know his earlier movies have their fans, but after the philosophical self-importance of A Ghost Story and the meandering gentleness of Pete's Dragon, it's thrilling to watch writer/director Lowery loosen up and have some fun. His sense of aesthetic control (there's a grainy, perfectly weathered look to the cinematography) remains totally impressive, and yet its function is in service of a more lighthearted, agreeable affair.
Redford is probably the only actor who could lead this movie, which basically lives and dies by his performance. Thankfully, the legendary star goes on a full-on charm offensive throughout this criminal adventure, stealing scenes with his beaming expression and even indulging in some refreshingly smart, honest conversations with Spacek and his other co-stars. Assisted by Lowery's tongue-in-cheek editing style (it feels like a more grounded imitation of Wes Anderson's trademark idiosyncrasies), Redford lights up the screen with his borderline self-aware smoothness.
As amusing as it can be, there is something to be said for the relative insignificance of The Old Man & the Gun. While the film is light on its feet and slickly entertaining, is that enough? The story basically ends up doing a loop, and I'm not sure we gain much from the journey. Your mileage will likely vary in this regard, especially if you're viewing this as a Hollywood icon's last huzzah. I was willing to forgive its slightness, yet I can't help but hope that Redford ends his run on a more substantial note. But when faced with such a pleasant time at the movies, it's almost too easy to get caught up in the pure joy of it all.
THE FINAL GRADE: B (7/10)
Images courtesy of Fox Searchlight
If we're being totally honest, David Lowery's The Old Man & the Gun likely won't be industry icon Robert Redford's last appearance on the silver screen. His last big starring role? Possibly. His last movie ever? I doubt it. But if I'm wrong and this does go down in Tinseltown history as the final bow for the Oscar winner and Sundance founder, it's sure to gain a reputation as a breezy, effortlessly charming slice of mellow heist fun, highlighted by laid back robberies and a quirky sense of style. It's the movie equivalent of a mischievous grin.
Redford plays Forrest Tucker, who is characterized by everyone familiar with him as probably the nicest criminal in history. The older fella is practically addicted to robbing banks, but he never intends to hurt a soul. In one scene, a young girl at the counter says that it's her first day on the job as the old man robs the bank. "Well, there's a first time for everything," Forrest replies with a smile.
After a particularly clever job, Forrest and his associates (Danny Glover & Tom Waits) catch the attention of John Hunt (Casey Affleck), a cop who subsequently devotes his entire life to catching what he deems the "Over the Hill Gang." The case becomes something of a public spectacle in the process, putting the crew in greater danger. At the same time, Forrest finds meaning outside of robbing banks through his relationship with Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a friendly, no-nonsense woman with a calming horse farm.
From this foundation, the film splits its time between very mild commentary on the process of aging and jaunty heist scenes that celebrate Forrest's ingenuity and rebellious spirit. I know his earlier movies have their fans, but after the philosophical self-importance of A Ghost Story and the meandering gentleness of Pete's Dragon, it's thrilling to watch writer/director Lowery loosen up and have some fun. His sense of aesthetic control (there's a grainy, perfectly weathered look to the cinematography) remains totally impressive, and yet its function is in service of a more lighthearted, agreeable affair.
Redford is probably the only actor who could lead this movie, which basically lives and dies by his performance. Thankfully, the legendary star goes on a full-on charm offensive throughout this criminal adventure, stealing scenes with his beaming expression and even indulging in some refreshingly smart, honest conversations with Spacek and his other co-stars. Assisted by Lowery's tongue-in-cheek editing style (it feels like a more grounded imitation of Wes Anderson's trademark idiosyncrasies), Redford lights up the screen with his borderline self-aware smoothness.
As amusing as it can be, there is something to be said for the relative insignificance of The Old Man & the Gun. While the film is light on its feet and slickly entertaining, is that enough? The story basically ends up doing a loop, and I'm not sure we gain much from the journey. Your mileage will likely vary in this regard, especially if you're viewing this as a Hollywood icon's last huzzah. I was willing to forgive its slightness, yet I can't help but hope that Redford ends his run on a more substantial note. But when faced with such a pleasant time at the movies, it's almost too easy to get caught up in the pure joy of it all.
THE FINAL GRADE: B (7/10)
Images courtesy of Fox Searchlight
Comments
Post a Comment