There’s no disputing that Robert Redford is one of the finest actors of the last couple of generations. His movies have had widespread appeal across the board. The ever-busy Redford made his acting debut in 1960 and hasn’t stopped. Between acting, directing and producing, his longest stint of inactivity over the last 58 years was between Brubaker (1980) and The Natural (1984).
He has been very active over the decades, and more impressively, he has put out quality work for the most part, project after project. And now after almost 60 years of dazzling audiences, Robert Redford is set to retire from acting after his latest film, The Old Man & the Gun. Within the last couple of weeks however, Redford did backtrack on those words a bit. At any rate, let’s dive into his final acting performance as he looks to steal our hearts one more time…maybe.
Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford) seems like an awfully nice guy at first glance. If you had the pleasure of talking to him, he may even seem like a great guy. He just has one little itsy bitsy problem. Forrest prefers to “relieve” businesses of their inventory. When I say businesses, I’m referring to banks. And when I say inventory, of course I’m referring to money. Forrest Tucker is a bank robber. He’s actually one of the most prolific ones in history. He’s been arrested countless times, while escaping from prison just as often. The Old Man & the Gun follows Forrest on his later life escapades, including a relationship with his precious Jewel (Sissy Spacek), who would steal his heart. How will this story end?
In what may or may not be Robert Redford’s swan song, his role as the brazen but likable gentleman bank robber is one worth taking notice of. Redford excellently executes a role the he seems born to play. If the real-life Forrest Tucker was anywhere near as charismatic as his acting counterpart was in The Old Man & the Gun, the reason is glaringly evident as to why he was able to pull off so many successful heists.
Sissy Spacek provides a staunch performance in the role of a woman that would seemingly give him a reason to become a better man. While Casey Affleck brings a little energy, youth and balance to this story of a criminal to care for. While having a more understated role, Affleck still finds a way to display his acting skills once again. Tika Sumpter, Danny Glover, Tom Waits and John David Washington are a few of the other actors to lend their talents to this true crime drama.
This crazy true story contains some unbelievable facts that you’ll have to see to believe. The Old Man & the Gun is a fitting end, if the speculation proves to be true, of a legendary actor that is Robert Redford. While the pace is a tad bit slower than I’d prefer, it is acted in a brilliant fashion with an interesting story to keep audiences engaged. And if you’re like me and have no idea of the facts on which it’s based, you’ll have a vested interest until the credits. You can try to catch the elusive film in theaters now.
