The Old Man & The Gun

[kevinknapman]

A Ghost Story director David Lowery returns with simpler, less arty fare with this low-key and melancholic OAP bankrobber tale starring Robert Redford, who previously appeared in Lowery's fine live-action remake of Pete's Dragon.

Based on a true story via a newspaper article by The Lost City of Z author David Grann, it follows Forrest Tucker, a 70 year-old career criminal who meets widow Jewel having just robbed a bank. He's upfront about what he does but she doesn't believe him. The rest of the film details their relationship, his continued bank robbery attempts and the robbery detective hot on his heels.

A beautifully made film that pays tribute to the endless charms of its iconic star, which would be more than enough to make this a must-see but Lowery doubles down on that by pairing him with the equally charming Sissy Spacek as Jewel and their scenes together are a delight.
Throw in great supporting turns from Casey Affleck as the dogged detective and Tom Waits and Danny Glover as his bankrobbing accomplices (amusingly referred to as The Over the Hill Gang) and you have a lovely old-fashioned film that never relies on genre thrills to entertain (one key job isn't shown at all).

A jazzy score from regular Lowery collaborator Daniel Hart adds flavour to this wonderful film.

[The Sparrow]

And "wonderful" it truly is.
It was great to see the lovely Sissy Spacek too.

[CR80]

A good flick although I preferred Aint Them Bodies Saints