From Bank to Bank, a Robber Becomes an American Legend

Sissy Spacek and Robert Redford in "The Old Man and the Gun"
Photo Credit: RottenTomatoes.com

There are many times in film when a story with a simple premise can be just as impactful as one that's more intricate.  This is because, when a movie has a simple narrative, you're encouraged to look through the deceptiveness of that simplicity and explore the smaller details that could give the movie a larger meaning, with such analyzations requiring a more careful eye.

Such a narrative is structured in writer-director David Lowery's "The Old Man and the Gun," a true-life comedy-drama that excels as a love story, crime caper, cat-and-mouse chase, and even as a meditation on living, and all of this is led by a superb performance from Robert Redford.

In the early 1980s, Forrest Tucker (Redford) is a 70-year-old who has lived a life that's a succession of bank robberies and prison breaks across the country.  After he conducts his latest robbery, Detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck) does whatever he can to try to catch Forrest.

Redford provides a charismatic performance that makes this film a joy, and he presents a charm and kindheartedness that sweeps you away onto Forrest’s journey as his character builds a life out of doing what he does best.  Forrest isn't your typical bank robber, but is a man who approaches the teller with a friendly persona and displays an infectious smile that makes it impossible not to be won over by him.  Redford makes you feel the excitement that his character feels as he conducts his robberies and experiences an outlaw’s American dream.  His performance is downplayed throughout, but every emotion that he exhibits makes a strong impact on the viewer.

Although the simplicity of the narrative somewhat limits the depth of the supporting characters, they're still intriguing to watch because of their grounded nature, like Affleck as Detective Hunt; Tika Sumpter as his wife, Maureen; and Danny Glover and Tom Waits as Forrest's fellow robbers, Teddy and Waller, respectively.  However, the best supporting performance comes from Sissy Spacek, who plays Forrest’s love interest, Jewel.  But, Jewel is more than that, as Spacek gives her character a luminous, countrywoman spirit that results in a character who always has a happy gleam in her eye and is an individual who’s affinity for relishing life is as strong as Forrest’s.

When it comes to Redford and Spacek, the bond that they have makes this a film that's worth seeing for these two stars, alone.  While all of the screen time that they share creates sparks that fly across the screen, their best scene is near the beginning of the film when they get to know one another in a diner, and this sequence lets you know that you're in for a treat as Forrest and Jewel delight in each other’s company and begin to fall in love.

The screenplay by Lowery, which is based on David Grann’s 2003 article in “The New Yorker,” titled “The Old Man and the Gun,” is a light story, but one that’s built on subtleties, all of which provide you with an insight into Forrest’s thoughts and motivations.  We’re given views of his craft and his past, and it’s fascinating to see how he’s able to accomplish his robberies and prison escapes numerous times.

As mentioned earlier, this film is several things in one, and Lowery's able to transition between these different aspects to make it all flow.  He gives us the understated thrills of the robberies and chase scenes, the romance of Forrest and Jewel’s relationship, and the quiet drama of Forrest pondering his life.  And, with the help of cinematography from Joe Anderson, he and Lowery capture the open landscapes of Texas that offer the numerous possibilities for anyone who roams them.

After nearly six decades of acting in movies, Redford’s work in “The Old Man and the Gun” proves that he’s still one of our finest onscreen talents.  As Forrest steals from banks, Redford steals our hearts.

Grade: A-