Here's the thing: Robert Redford swore The Old Man and the Gun would be his last movie, but guess what? That’s not the story here. What’s really fascinating is how the media keeps harping on this "final film" angle, much to Redford’s chagrin. Deep down, it wasn’t just about saying goodbye; it was about finding the perfect role to bow out with. And that role came in the form of Forrest Tucker, a real-life bank robber who reigned supreme in the 1980s.
Let me tell you about Forrest Tucker. Picture this: Tucker, already in his 70s, decided to go out with a bang. He formed the "Over-the-Hill Gang," a crew of elderly bandits who pulled off millions in heists using charm instead of guns. Tucker wasn’t about violence—he was all about defying expectations and living life on his own terms. He wasn’t just robbing banks; he was perfecting an art form, no matter how elusive the dream might have been.
Robert Redford himself chimed in, saying, “Sure, this might be my last acting gig, but it had to be fun. Forrest Tucker was such a fascinating character—full of life, risk, and danger—but at the core, he just wanted to have a good time. That’s what drew me to him.”
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Forrest Tucker: A Modern-Day Robin Hood?
Director David Lowery adapted his script from a profile written by David Grann for The New Yorker. He wanted to give Tucker’s story that classic Western feel, but with a modern twist. The 1980s setting helped—a time before smartphones and the internet turned every criminal into an amateur YouTuber. It was a slower, more low-key era where Tucker could stay one step ahead of the law. This wasn't just a cat-and-mouse game; it was a beautiful dance between Tucker and the lawman chasing him.
David Lowery shared, “Bob and Forrest were kindred spirits in my mind. I saw parallels between the characters Bob has played over the years, but it wasn’t until we worked together on Pete’s Dragon that I truly understood him as a person. That connection allowed me to tailor the role specifically for him. Spending a month in New Zealand with Bob was a luxury I’ll never forget.”
Real-Life Inspiration: The Man Behind the Mask
Forrest Silva Tucker grew up during the Great Depression in Florida, starting his life of crime as a teenager. His life was a cycle of crime and prison, escaping 18 times from various penitentiaries, including the infamous San Quentin. Tucker passed away in 2004 at the age of 83, after serving only four years of a 13-year sentence for a Texas armed robbery. But here's the kicker: Tucker never hurt anyone. He carried a gun, but it was always unloaded. That non-violent approach was a huge draw for Redford.
David Lowery said working with Robert on this role was one of the highlights of making the film. “Bob read through various drafts over the years, but once we landed on a script we both loved, we didn’t need to talk much. The character was so finely tuned to Bob’s strengths that we left room for improvisation. We spent a lot of time discussing his relationship with Jewel, played by the incredible Sissy Spacek. That’s where we focused most of our energy on set.”
