Review of The Old Man & the Gun (2018) by Teriek W — 26 Oct 2018

In what's billed as Robert Redford's final role, The Old Man & The Gun tells a lighthearted tale about an elderly bank robber who lives through the whims of being an outlaw. In the title role, Redford infuses his usual reserved, gentlemanly typecast persona that's followed him invariably throughout his long, storied career. Pursued by a brooding cop (played by Casey Affleck in a glum performance straight out of Mancheser by the Sea), the film in low-key fashion travels playfully down its journey.

Despite a charming set of characters and a relatively upbeat treatment, writer/Director David Lowery's approach sinks under the weight of its own superfluousness in a manner reminiscent of co-star Tom Waits' stories on why he hates Christmas or questions about living near cemeteries. As much as The Old Man & the Gun reaches for an lively, playful comedy-drama, it lacks an underlying purpose that would make its treatment feel orientated to some meaningful end.