“The Robber” is a true story depicted in a German film about a 1980s long distance runner of marathon races moonlighting as a bank robber. Proficient at both, Johann Kastenberger (Andreas Lust) is caught, incarcerated, and serving time, he practices running within the prison walls. Upon release and warned by his parole officer to go straight, nevertheless, resumes both activities in this distinctly different character study in an action film.
Director Benjamin Heisenberg co-wrote the screenplay with Martin Prinz in an adaptation of Prinz’s 2005 book. As the marathon runner, Andreas Lust holds a viewer’s attention in a fascinating portrayal of a respected citizen who is a clever criminal in a perplexing but enticing, cinematic portrait. For literary reasons, Kastenberger’s name was changed to Rettenberger in the film version. (In German with English subtitles) (A presentation of the 2010 NYFF).
Image Source: Cinema Scope
