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The Old Man and the Gun

Stealing the Show: 1on1 with Barlow Jacobs (THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN)

Taking place in the early 80s, The Old Man and the Gun?follows the (mostly) true story of Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford), a man in his seventies who?s sole passion is robbing banks. Acting as a gentleman but packing a gun, Tucker and his ?Over-The-Hill Gang? set out to rob banks across the country. Wrapped up in the pursuit are Detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck), who becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a woman who loves Tucker in spite of his chosen profession.

When invited to play Detective Offerman in the film, actor Barlow Jacobs immediately accepted so that he could have the opportunity to work with writer/director David Lowery again.

?What excited me about [the film] is David Lowery, period. He’s one of the most exciting directors working in my opinion,? beams Jacobs. ?He’s on that list of people who, when they say they’ve [written] something for you, [you] don’t need to read anything. If he’s investing his energy into it, then I know it’s going to be something special. We met on the film festival circuit in 2007. We just really hit it off and pretty immediately started a creative collaboration. We had a couple of writing projects we were working on together and when he did his first feature, he asked me to be in it. Then, when The Old Man and the Gun came around, we were at Sundance for A Ghost Story?and he had pulled me aside and said he’d written something for me for it. So, I said, ?Just tell me where to show up.? I don’t often get to play funny or comedic relief. So that was really appealing to me.?

Despite its focus on the early 1980s, The Old Man and the Gun?has a timeless feel to it that doesn?t feel slavish to its time period. With this in mind, Jacobs explains that this enduring quality to the story stems from Lowery?s dedication to the narrative over the visuals.

?For me, the thing I like about David, [is that] I feel like all [his] stories kind of exist somewhere between like 1978 and 1998,? he states. ?Even though this one is definitely specifically period, I think a lot of mistakes that these films make is that they’re just too self-consciously period. So they kind of overdo production is on and, and it’s like, or they get like too on the nose of the period. [For instance, if] it’s 1981 and everything on the thing is from 1981, [it doesn’t make sense.] In real life in 1981, everything looked a lot more like 1976 or 1974 because like no one was getting new appliances for 1981 across the board. I think David and his team were very conscious of that and really created a seamless [environment] where you walk on on and it does feel that even though it does feel very period.?

?I think the thing that I liked about the movie is like it does feel like a homage to those movies that I loved from the seventies but also feels very modern as well. I wasn’t distracted I guess by the period. There’s a lot of challenges and a lot of opportunity to take missteps. I think his ability to kind of do a period film without it being distracting because… it doesn’t feel like a slave to that period. You’ve got so many characters, so many different story lines, and the fact that he was able to pull all that off was just really awesome to watch.?

In light of its ?timeless? approach, Lowery?s film also has a sense of genuineness and joyfulness embedded within it that brings life to its characters.

?There’s a sweetness to [the script] that’s really wonderful,? Jacobs explains. ?It’s a sentimental film without using sentimentality, which I think is really difficult to do. I think most people when they do something sentimental, they lean on a lot of tropes that are in with that. It lends itself to a cheapness and not a well-thought sentimental tone. To me, [the film] just really resonated for that because it’s rare to find those kinds of movies. There is a lot of dark, dark edges, especially in the indie world and so, to do something like that that feels really honest, sweet and sentimental without being cheap or cheesy. It’s really special.?

Since Old Man and the Gun?is based on a true story, one begins to ask which story points or characters are true and which are fictional. Though his character of Detective Offerman is a composite, Jacobs argues that this also offers him a lot more freedom than if he had been based on a real person.

?From what I understood, it was a couple of different characters,? Jacobs believes. ?I think my character kind of came to embrace the officers that thought the whole thing was a joke. And so I think I was like, what? There wasn’t one Detective Offerman who just busted on John’s chops all the time but I’m sure he was a representative of everybody. It’s nice to have [a real person] as a resource when you’re preparing, but it’s also nice not to have to feel like you have to be beholden to certain responsibility that comes along with playing a real person.?

?David gave me a lot of freedom to kind of do what I wanted to do that character and have fun with it,” says Jacobs. “Most times, I end up playing somewhat serious characters. In this case it was just nice to not have to be carrying that weight and come in and be playful. David creates a really safe environment and really encourages you to push yourself and feel the boundaries of where you can go. I don’t have to self-govern myself. I know if I’m pushing too far, he’ll dial me back in and that’s really nice. That’s something I wouldn’t do with all directors… I think whenever you have that kind of trust your director as an actor, it allows that environment to be so much more productive and inspiring.?

With the release of this film, there have been questions and comments (some by the actor himself) as to whether or not this is Robert Redford?s last film. Asked if there was anything that he learned from the iconic actor, Jacobs notes that the way that Redford engages the material?not to mention the cast and crew?is amazing to see.

?I think you get to be around all the caliber of [this cast] as an actor, you just want to watch the process,? he feels. ?I’ve been really fortunate to have worked with a lot of gifted directors and actors. When you have that kind of talent there, you just want to watch and to watch him and Danny and Tom Waits, it’s just magic. I think with Robert, he’s got an air of professionalism to him. He’s obviously someone who I really admire. Whether this is or isn’t his last film, he just is a professional and treats everyone with respect and respects the process, the director and the crew. He carries himself that way.?

To hear audio of our interview with Barlow, click here.

The Old Man and the Gun?is in theatres on Friday, September 28th, 2018.

 

The Old Man and the Gun: Time is On My Side

Taking place in the early 80s, The Old Man and the Gun?follows the (mostly) true story of Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford), a man in his 70s who?s sole passion is robbing banks. Acting as a gentleman but packing a gun, Tucker and his ?Over-The-Hill Gang? set out to rob banks across the country. Wrapped up in the pursuit are Detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck), who becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a woman who loves him in spite of his chosen profession.

Written and directed by David Lowery (Pete?s Dragon, A Ghost Story), Old Man has a timeless feel to it that adds to its charm. Filmed largely on older technology, Old Man simply looks as though it has been lost in time. More importantly, however, the?film seems to exude pure joy in every aspect. Riding on the back of Redford?s inimitable charm, the film is captivating from start to finish. Rumoured to potentially be Redford?s last acting role, Old Manwould be the most appropriate example of his talent as he simply owns every scene of the film. Whether he?s charming his beloved Jewel or playing cat-and-mouse with Detective Hunt, Redford?s star power is on full display in this piece. If the rumours are true, it would be a fitting close to a career playing lovable outlaws in such films as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?or The Sting. (For what it?s worth, this is not to take away from the rest of the cast either. Every person in this film plays their role with earnestness and free-wheeling enthusiasm.)

Appropriately, Lowery?s script speaks to the concept of time (and timelessness). The story of Tucker and his team catches fire not because of the sheer number of their crimes but, rather, because of their age. With each robbery, the gang gains notoriety for their charm and humility as they move from heist to heist. (In fact, their victims are so pleased with the thieves that they almost?seem pleased to have been a part of the heist?) Their age, style and sheer enthusiasm for their art builds a respect across the country for their thieving ways.

In many ways, stealing gives Tucker life.

His ?profession? is not one of angst or revenge. It?s simply what he?s best at and gives him joy. In many ways, Tucker serves as inspiration for Detective Hunt, rather than foil. Burned out and frustrated at work, Hunt seems lost and lifeless. Despite his love for his family, Hunt is a man who has no direction in his life? until Tucker invites him to play his game. Tucker serves as an example of what it means to enjoy life and, as the two begin their chase, Hunt gradually breathes life again. In many ways, Hunt needs Tucker to survive? and Tucker needs Hunt to thrive. They inspire one another to greatness (and, oddly, demonstrate the power of pouring into one another?s lives.)

In the end, The Old Man and the Gun?may not appeal to a younger audience initially, simply based on its style. But those that stay away would be missing out. This film is a celebration of life and the career of one of Hollywood?s greatest sons. However, it is a film to be cherished and is filled with joy. Whether or not it is Redford?s last role is almost irrelevant.

Despite his age, Redford has never seemed younger.

For audio of our full interview with one of the film?s stars, Barlow Jacobs, click here.

TIFF ’18: The Old Man and the Gun

Taking place in the early 80s, The Old Man and the Gun?follows the (mostly) true story of Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford), a man in his 70s who?s sole passion is robbing banks. Acting as a gentleman but packing a gun, Tucker and his ?Over-The-Hill Gang? set out to rob banks across the country. Wrapped up in the pursuit are Detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck), who becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a woman who loves him in spite of his chosen profession.

Written and directed by David Lowery (Pete?s Dragon, A Ghost Story), Old Man has a timeless feel to it that adds to its charm. Filmed largely on older technology, Old Man simply looks as though it has been lost in time. More importantly, however, the?film seems to exude pure joy in every aspect. Riding on the back of Redford?s inimitable charm, the film is captivating from start to finish. Rumoured to potentially be Redford?s last acting role, Old Manwould be the most appropriate example of his talent as he simply owns every scene of the film. Whether he?s charming his beloved Jewel or playing cat-and-mouse with Detective Hunt, Redford?s star power is on full display in this piece. If the rumours are true, it would be a fitting close to a career playing lovable outlaws in such films as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?or The Sting. (For what it?s worth, this is not to take away from the rest of the cast either. Every person in this film plays their role with earnestness and free-wheeling enthusiasm.)

Appropriately, Lowery?s script speaks to the concept of time (and timelessness). The story of Tucker and his team catches fire not because of the sheer number of their crimes but, rather, because of their age. With each robbery, the gang gains notoriety for their charm and humility as they move from heist to heist. (In fact, their victims are so pleased with the thieves that they almost?seem pleased to have been a part of the heist?) Their age, style and sheer enthusiasm for their art builds a respect across the country for their thieving ways.

In many ways, stealing gives Tucker life.

His ?profession? is not one of angst or revenge. It?s simply what he?s best at and gives him joy. In many ways, Tucker serves as inspiration for Detective Hunt, rather than foil. Burned out and frustrated at work, Hunt seems lost and lifeless. Despite his love for his family, Hunt is a man who has no direction in his life? until Tucker invites him to play his game. Tucker serves as an example of what it means to enjoy life and, as the two begin their chase, Hunt gradually breathes life again. In many ways, Hunt needs Tucker to survive? and Tucker needs Hunt to thrive. They inspire one another to greatness (and, oddly, demonstrate the power of pouring into one another?s lives.)

In the end, The Old Man and the Gun?may not appeal to a younger audience initially, simply based on its style. This film is a celebration of life and the career of one of Hollywood?s greatest sons. However, it is a film to be cherished and is filled with joy. Whether or not it is Redford?s last role is almost irrelevant.

Despite his age, Redford has never seemed younger.

For audio of our full interview with one of the film?s stars, Barlow Jacobs, click here.

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