BY ALLEN HILLS
Staff Writer
Last week, I was finally able to get my ticket for “The Old Man and the Gun,” since it was being screened locally. It had been released for weeks, but I could not find any showtimes in the capitol region. This led me to the conclusion that it must have been a limited release. Luckily, it was finally released last week in my great home city of Saratoga Springs, and it really was worth the wait.
“The Old Man and the Gun” is a very impressive piece of cinematic art, with Robert Redford’s acting being the most special element of the movie. This was previously his final role, which was a statement he eventually took back, since he did not like the high amount of publicity that the announcement of his apparent retirement had caused.
However, this undoubtedly would have been the perfect goodbye for Redford. His career criminal character is insightfully fascinating, which was a complete surprise to me ever since I saw the first trailer on YouTube. The film is based on a New Yorker article which told the story of Forrest Tucker, who was a San Quentin escapee and a legendary bank robber. When he robs banks in the movie, he shows the managers his gun, but manages to win them over with his gentlemanly attitude.
Redford brings a great amount of charm to the character of Forrest Tucker. With his polite personality and dapper style, one can almost completely forget what he is. This performance will surely enter legendary status just as Redford already has. Such is the case when Tucker meets Sissy Spacek’s character, who is somehow so impressed with Tucker’s methods that they click instantly.
These two characters have some very pleasant interactions with each other, which causes a massive shift in tone that almost makes you forget what the movie is about. Tucker even has a brief encounter with the detective chasing him down, played by Casey Affleck. Even though this scene creates anxiety for the audience, it is suitably cool because Tucker passes on some of his advice on life.
Overall, the entire cast of this movie is truly amazing. Redford, however, really takes the cake.
Aside from the acting, the film’s direction and visual style are an amazing spectacle. Writer and director David Lowery successfully gives an authentic onscreen depiction of 1981 which is enough to make the audience feel like they really there. Plus, the fact that it takes place in in small, southern towns really makes it look like a picture Redford would have filmed back then. The picture has a type of graininess that most 30-40-year-old films have, which provides a very nice retro vibe. The music offers a nice variety in moods and themes, as film composer Daniel Hart uses some jazzy compositions, fitting Tucker’s criminal moments. Old country songs are also included for the southern country backdrops. The most emotionally gripping of these songs is “Blues Run the Game,” by Jackson C. Frank. All of these things combine to make an incredibly well produced film with flawless direction.
So, be sure to go see The Old Man and the Gun, since its theatrical run is about to end. It’s honestly is a classic movie with a classic story, and a classic star.
