To conclude the second day of the Melbourne International Film Festival, here is the second review!

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The Robber [Austria]

When you go into a film that is based on real events, you always wonder how much it will deviate the source material, or how over dramatised or crazy it gets. In the case of ‘The Robber’ it didn’t feel over the top, and presented itself as is: A sequence of events that followed Johann Rettenberger, a convicted bank robber that is recently freed, only to return to his habits.

The film is initially slow to come off the ground, as you slowly learn the background of Rettenberger as both a bank robber and marathon runner, and how the two come together over the course of the story. There are long pauses and silences in many of the scenes, and it becomes a little frustrating as at times it feels like the film isn’t going anywhere.

But once things start to piece together, and in turn the first bank hold-ups begin, the speed and sense of urgency kicks into gear. It’s a good change, and the long pauses that harmed the beginning really help to break up the tension, and allow you to recollect yourself and realise the motivations behind Retternberger’s actions.

Most of the supporting characters felt underused and forgettable, and whilst I thought the lead was appropriate to be calm and collected for most of the film, I didn’t enjoy the lack of other emotions. It’s a shame, because it’s not until the conclusion that you really feel for Rettenberger, with some well crafted and drawn out scenes. I do have to commend the actor’s fitness level, because there was definitely a lot of running involved.

Score: 2.5 out of 5

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