David Lowery’s 2018 drama, The Old Man and the Gun, marked the final significant film appearance of Hollywood legend Robert Redford before his death in 2025. Redford stars as Forrest Tucker, an aging career criminal renowned for robbing banks without violence and evading capture multiple times. The film explores Tucker’s late-in-life reflections as his crime spree draws increasing police attention, capturing a story that resonates with themes of thrill-seeking and the inevitability of aging, central to the Robert Redford final film.
A Compelling Scene Stolen by Tom Waits’ Character
One of the most unforgettable moments in The Old Man and the Gun comes from a scene featuring Forrest Tucker and his old partners in crime, played by Tom Waits and Danny Glover. Sitting together at a bar, Waits’ character, Waller, delivers a striking monologue about his troubled youth. He recounts a Christmas Eve incident when, as a drunken teenager, he tried to sneak into a locked house through a window but ended up hanging from a Christmas tree, threatened by his police officer stepfather with a shotgun.
“and that’s why I hate Christmas,”
Waller concludes, a line that draws knowing nods from his companions.
This story stands out not for its impact on the plot, but because it reveals the rebellious nature of Waller alongside Forrest and Teddy Green. The anecdote highlights how these men have lived on the edge of the law in many forms, whether legal or familial. The way the three men share this bleak yet bitterly humorous memory reflects their deep history of run-ins with authority and the toll it has taken as they age.
Waits’ delivery, gravelly but deliberate and reflective, captivates both his screen friends and the viewer. His storytelling brings life to a supporting role that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, showcasing the subtle power of character acting in creating an immersive cinematic moment without overt exposition.
A Fitting Farewell for a Cinematic Icon
The Old Man and the Gun serves as Robert Redford’s parting bow as a leading man, with this film being his last major role before his brief cameo in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame and a small voice part in 2020’s Omniboat: A Fast Boat Fantasia. The caliber of the cast, including Oscar winners and respected actors, demonstrated the high regard held for Redford in the film community, all eager to share the screen with him in his final feature.
Notable cast members include Sissy Spacek as Jewell, a woman who unexpectedly forms a connection with Forrest and offers a glimpse of a life beyond crime. Casey Affleck, fresh off an Oscar win for Manchester by the Sea, plays Detective John Hunt, the dogged lawman pursuing Forrest. Danny Glover rounds out this group of acclaimed actors, reflecting the deep affection for Redford’s career and legacy, visible in the heartfelt performances throughout.
The care invested in every role, including Tom Waits’, elevates the film beyond a simple crime drama, crafting a rich, character-driven tribute to a movie star closing his legendary chapter.
Tom Waits’ Unexpected Range as an Actor
Though primarily celebrated for his musical career, Tom Waits has built an impressive acting resume marked by versatile, memorable performances. His ability to inhabit diverse characters enriches the film with subtle depth. From playing the disturbing Renfield in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, to the eccentric filmmaker Rex Blau in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza—inspired by Sam Peckinpah—and embodying the suave Devil in Heath Ledger’s last film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Waits shows remarkable adaptability.
His nuanced performances underscore his passion for complex, character-driven roles, making him a fitting co-star alongside Redford, two masterful storytellers creating unforgettable cinematic moments in a film that serves as both a crime tale and a meditation on aging and camaraderie.
Availability of The Old Man and the Gun
The Old Man and the Gun remains accessible to audiences through various Video On Demand platforms for rent or purchase, allowing viewers to experience this poignant final chapter of Robert Redford’s storied career.
