Think of any movie with a heist you have seen; what does it involve? A plot to nab a ton of money, a suave weapon-wielding thief or con artist and some type of dramatic chase as the cherry on the top. Oh, and don’t forget the self-assured smirks and witty (or not) banter. Now, take away all the suspense and intensity of said heist. Think of an unassuming old man wearing a suit and a serene smile, robbing a bank with a ‘please’ and a ‘thank you.’
That’s who Forrest Tucker is. He would calmly show you the gun in his jacket, ask you to fill his suitcase with cash and wish you a good day afterwards. No blood shed, only stunned victims left behind. A gentleman thief, if you will. A robber famous for escaping from any situation, no matter how sticky…sounds entertaining, right?
Based on the New York Times article “Old Man and the Gun” written in 2003, this film follows escape artist Forrest Tucker’s real-life story. He’s famous not only for his gentlemanly tendencies, but his numerous prison breaks, most of which were successful. Filmed in Cincinnati, as well as in parts of downtown Dayton and Hamilton, several landmarks can be recognized like the Dayton Skyline and Liberty Tower.
Robert Redford breathes life into Tucker’s easygoing yet charismatic character. His supposed arch nemesis John Hunt is played by Casey Affleck. Hunt is the honest, hard-working detective who pursues Tucker without determination. He spends more time admiring Tucker’s style than tracking him down.
Unfortunately, just as this review is dominated by Forrest Tucker, so is the film itself. Or rather, Forrest Tucker is the only memorable aspect of the movie. Rather than moving forward, the plot lingers, as if waiting for a signal from Tucker. Old Man and the Gun falls into the trap of romanticizing a life of crime, but it does what it is meant to do: entertain the audience. If nothing else, watch it for Robert Redford’s final performance on screen.
