A cinema legend is stepping down: after more than 100 films as an actor, director, and producer, an Academy Award for his directorial debut ORDINARY PEOPLE (1981) and two Golden Globes, Robert Redford is taking a bow. At 82 this is probably his last time in a starring role which combines everything that characterizes him. Forrest Tucker is a friendly older gentleman with an unusual hobby: he likes to rob banks. He isn‘t doing it to supplement his pension. It‘s only about the thrill, the feeling of being alive. But his obsession makes him a loner. Only his old sidekicks Teddy (Danny Glover) and Waller (Tom Waits) know about his escapades and help him with planning them. When he meets and falls in love with Jewel (Sissy Spacek), he has to reveal his secret to her. Director David Lowery (A GHOST STORY) perfectly tailored the role of legendary criminal to Robert Redford. The legend's blue eyes sparkle with charm, humor, and character one more time. Tucker isn‘t just a sympathetic figure for the audience, his raids leave a mark on the victims. A touch of melancholy hangs over the wonderfully gritty images that look like they could‘ve come out of the 70s.

The unbelievable story is based on a real case of a retired gang that robbed several Florida banks in the 90s. Journalist David Grann wrote about it in the New York Times in 2003. Lowery moved the story to the 80s and imbued it with a bit of romanticism and a lot of nostalgia. THE OLD MAN & THE GUN is a worthy homage to the great Robert Redford who bids farewell here with a tear and a smile.

Lars Tunçay

Translation: Elinor Lewy