FILM REVIEW: The Robber (Benjamin Heisenberg, 2014)

Often, films have their big debut at festivals and, despite critical acclaim, disappear off the cinematic radar. Having premiered at Edinburgh’s International Film Festival over four years ago, the boffins over at Filmhouse have rediscovered a film that should have been seen by so many more cinema-goers: The Robber.

After being released on parole from prison, a man uses his passion for running for two purposes: marathons and bank robbing. Stuck in the rut of his fast-paced life, he struggles to slow down as he is faced with the outside world and the people around him.

Interesting in its approach to something that could have been highly cliched, The Robber is a film that uses subtleties rather than abbrasive action. For lovers of the explosive action genre, The Robber will, for the most part, underwhelm them. For those who appreciate a well written character study that can maintain a certain degree of heart-thudding tensity, it will be a great joy to watch. The action and bank robberies feel like the work of Christopher Nolan, but with the characteristics of a well crafted drama. One mild complaint: whilst the film does feel genuine, it also feels slightly glossy; a little Hollywood. If it had embraced it’s Austrian/German roots a little bit more, there would be very little wrong with it.

Whilst Hollywood incessantly churns out shoot-em-ups with faux romance at an alarming rate, continental Europe has presented a film that puts itself at the forefront of action with heart. The Robber will leave you sweating, breathless yet naturally fulfilled; the one important factor that’s so frequently dismissed.

The Robber opens Friday 21st March 2014 at The Filmhouse, Lothian Road