Rumoured to be the cinematic swansong of screen legend Robert Redford, The Old Man & The Gun is very much like the actor himself: belonging to a bygone time but we're grateful to have around nonetheless. David Lowery's latest - following a big-budget Disney live-action remake and a micro-budget exploration of love, loss, life and death - is the kind of old-school movie-making that seems to be quickly fading from our cineplexes. It also happens to be perhaps the most charming film to grace our screens in years.
Based on a "mostly true" story, Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford) is the rare criminal to win the hearts of his victims in the process of stealing their money. A career bank robber, Tucker is nearing the end of his audacious escape from San Quentin while conducting an unprecedented string of heists when the authorities find a renewed interest in his case. Fascinated by his commitment to the job, rookie detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck) is determined to return Tucker behind bars, but can Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a newly-found love interest, be the one to stray him away from his chosen profession?
The Old Man & The Gun is a comforting, perfectly breezy piece of cinema that feels oh-so-satisfyingly inconsequential. As easy-going as it is oozing with charm, it struck me as the sort of simplistic filmmaking that proves that the world keeps on turning (as dramatic as that may sound). It is like a familiar face in a crowd of strangers, a warm coat on a wintry day, or a cup of hot tea after a long day. Amongst the cacophony of the blockbusters and tentpoles, and the peculiarities and eccentricities of the arthouse, The Old Man & The Gun simmers beautifully in its purity. It's not always enough to be light and sweet but in this case - and particularly at this time of year - it's a welcome relief to sit back and be swept up in a nice film.
Redford is as dashing as ever and should this be his final bow, what a tremendous performance to leave us on. Subtle and understated but no less magnetic as he grins like a Cheshire cat with a sparkle in his eye, it is a leading turn brimming with the life and energy of a man half his age. Although in his early eighties during filming, he never one loses the youthful spirit that has helped sustain his career for many, many decades. Enhanced by a team of well-calibrated supporting performances from the likes of the equally delightful Spacek and restrained-as-ever Affleck, these fine actors anchor the lightweight story with ease and nuance.
David Lowery's direction is as reliable and humble as ever, cultivating a characterful aesthetic that emphasises the 'throwback movie' quality so pertinent to the piece's success. Lowery's work is as restrained and tasteful behind the camera as he is with a pen in his hand; he refuses to seek glory for his work, surrendering the spotlight to its stars and the story at hand. He trades in ordinary genre conventions for something more nostalgic and goodness does it work, toying with expectations playfully while making several nods in tribute to Redford's prolific career. Enriched by more splendid work from Daniel Hart, his musical compositions so fantastically capture the tone of the piece, elevating it further.
The Old Man & The Gun is such a heartfelt, soulful charmer that is bound to win over audiences. Whether there's room for such a slight picture in the Netflix and Chill era remains to be seen - but there ought to be. Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, it is such a pleasantly sentimental slice of cinema, a film where every department is working in perfect harmony across the board. Whether or not this transpires to be Robert Redford's final role, what a film to depart with. The Old Man & The Gun may just be the year's nicest film.
Summary: The Old Man & The Gun is like a warm hug on a wintry day, a completely charming and soulful slice of cinema. As lightweight and mellow as it is, excellent direction from David Lowery assures that Robert Redford's rumoured swansong is a lovely curtain call for the screen legend.
The Old Man & The Gun is a comforting, perfectly breezy piece of cinema that feels oh-so-satisfyingly inconsequential. As easy-going as it is oozing with charm, it struck me as the sort of simplistic filmmaking that proves that the world keeps on turning (as dramatic as that may sound). It is like a familiar face in a crowd of strangers, a warm coat on a wintry day, or a cup of hot tea after a long day. Amongst the cacophony of the blockbusters and tentpoles, and the peculiarities and eccentricities of the arthouse, The Old Man & The Gun simmers beautifully in its purity. It's not always enough to be light and sweet but in this case - and particularly at this time of year - it's a welcome relief to sit back and be swept up in a nice film.
Redford is as dashing as ever and should this be his final bow, what a tremendous performance to leave us on. Subtle and understated but no less magnetic as he grins like a Cheshire cat with a sparkle in his eye, it is a leading turn brimming with the life and energy of a man half his age. Although in his early eighties during filming, he never one loses the youthful spirit that has helped sustain his career for many, many decades. Enhanced by a team of well-calibrated supporting performances from the likes of the equally delightful Spacek and restrained-as-ever Affleck, these fine actors anchor the lightweight story with ease and nuance.
David Lowery's direction is as reliable and humble as ever, cultivating a characterful aesthetic that emphasises the 'throwback movie' quality so pertinent to the piece's success. Lowery's work is as restrained and tasteful behind the camera as he is with a pen in his hand; he refuses to seek glory for his work, surrendering the spotlight to its stars and the story at hand. He trades in ordinary genre conventions for something more nostalgic and goodness does it work, toying with expectations playfully while making several nods in tribute to Redford's prolific career. Enriched by more splendid work from Daniel Hart, his musical compositions so fantastically capture the tone of the piece, elevating it further.
The Old Man & The Gun is such a heartfelt, soulful charmer that is bound to win over audiences. Whether there's room for such a slight picture in the Netflix and Chill era remains to be seen - but there ought to be. Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, it is such a pleasantly sentimental slice of cinema, a film where every department is working in perfect harmony across the board. Whether or not this transpires to be Robert Redford's final role, what a film to depart with. The Old Man & The Gun may just be the year's nicest film.
★★★★★★★✬☆☆
(7.5/10)