Going in Style

This is one of my favourite films. In takes turns as a comedy and as a drama. All three men play outstanding parts and the film balances itself quite well between funny to downright sad without ever going over the top. Definitely one to see.

A short preview of this film on television might suggest a zany comedy in which old age-jokes fly fast and furious, but "Going in Style" is in fact a serious film, with only bits of humor thrown in here and there.

George Burns is Joe, a man who suggests to his two roommates (Art Carney and Lee Strasberg) that they rob a bank in order to relieve the boredom of retirement. When they do, the find their lives do in fact change drastically, though in quite unexpected ways.

The characters are three-dimensional and complex, and it is apparent that they, just like real people, have issues in their lives -- sometimes very serious ones -- that have gone unresolved for many years. The dialogue is realistic, but relaxed, and includes a lot of repetition of lines (Joe, Willie, and Al are all starting to lose their faculties somewhat and occasionally need repetition from each other). This makes the pacing deceptively slow; when you think back on the film after watching it, though, you find that a whole lot happened in those 97 minutes.

"Going in Style" has no caricatures (except, perhaps, Joe`s attorney) and, though the problems of old age are presented in a matter-of-fact way, the film is never preachy. It should also be noted that it is gratifying to see a movie in which younger members of a family (Pete and Kathy) show such genuine respect and kindness to their elders.

All the leads are terrific, but Burns is perfection itself as Joe.

This film is very highly recommended.

Joe, Al and Willie are three senior citizens who are tired of their mundane existence in the Big Apple. They share an apartment and try to save money any way they can, but inflation is still making it difficult for them to get by. Joe especially wants to find a way to end the monotony of their lives, and one day a thought strikes him: why don't they rob a bank? If they succeed, they'll be rich, and if they're caught, they'll be sent to jail where the state will provide them bed and board. Either way it's a win-win. Will Joe, Al and Willie pull off the caper, or will life deal the men yet another crushing blow?

Martin Brest's 'Going in Style' is a wickedly funny, poignant crime flick featuring sharp dialogue, brilliant performances and an original, unpredictable story. It is a portrait of the aging process that is both tender and cynical, about three men rebelling against a society that no longer respects or cares for them. Brest's screenplay is a biting, viciously witty treatise that is equal parts entertaining and affecting. It is most of all realistic- despite being filled with high comedy and borderline farcical moments, like the stick-up or a ridiculously successful trip to Vegas.

Billy Williams' cinematography is remarkably refined and naturalistic, unpretentious work that showcases his versatility behind the camera. Three years after shooting 'Going in Style', he would win the Academy Award for his grander, lusher work on Attenborough's 'Gandhi;' he was a malleable cinematographer whose style always suited the material perfectly. In addition, Carroll Timothy O'Meara and Robert Swink's editing is intuitive and flawless, adding unquestionable power to the film.

Michael Small's score is catchy and energetic, while also providing additional emotional impact in 'Going in Style's contemplative moments. The set design and decoration from Herbert F. Mulligan is impressive, with Joe, Al and Willie's apartment being most rich and convincing in texture and detail. Anna Hill Johnstone's costume design is also worth mentioning, capturing the down-at-heels nature of the central trio shrewdly.

George Burns stars as Joe, the main character, and has arguably never given a better performance on the silver screen. He showcases emotional depth and range that is so powerful, so natural; you wonder why he waited until he was 79 to start playing characters other than himself. He brings boundless energy and life to Joe, as well as righteous anger at the modern world with its' indignities and difficulties. He also makes the character wholly sympathetic and believable.

Burns once quipped "acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made." After watching him in 'Going in Style', you'll surely agree that he was one of cinema's greatest fakers. His is a touching, affecting performance that is most memorable and utterly compelling.

Art Carney and Lee Strasberg co-star as Al and Willie, respectively, and both are fantastic. Carney's Al is a good-natured fellow, and they couldn't have cast a more likable, charming or intelligent performer for the role. He comes across like the old uncle you always wanted, the kind who'd slip you sweets during dinner and tell jokes everyone in the family would laugh at.

Strasberg is the most bitter and grouchy of the three, but shows such emotional depth and vulnerability that you fully understand the character. A scene involving him reminiscing about his son is one of the single finest pieces of acting ever put to film. When you have Burns, Carney and Strasberg together- as well as strong supporting performances from the likes of Charles Hallahan and Pamela Payton-Wright- it's a truly unforgettable experience.

'Going In Style' is a brilliant, highly entertaining crime caper, as well as being a barbed examination of the process of aging. Featuring three strong performances from Burns, Carney and Strasberg and assured cinematography from Billy Williams, the film is not to be missed. Burns once said "you can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old." After watching the antics he and his pals get up to in 'Going in Style;' you'll see just how true that epigram is.

GOING IN STYLE is a sweet little film starring George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg as a trio of oldsters struggling to survive on their pension money. They hit upon the idea of robbing a bank. What could go wrong? Filled with humor and heart and terrific performances. The Las Vegas scenes are a hoot. Burns and Carney especially deserved awards but the film got no attention until a remake surfaced in 2017. Despite its cast, the film forgot the heart.

Anyway, the 1979 film is a jewel. The amazing Burns was 83. When he met the 27-year-old director Martin Brest, he quipped, "I have neckties older than you." Burns and Carney had already won their Oscars by the time this was made. The scene where Burns goes thru his old box of photos (one shows him and Gracie Allen from the old days) is a killer.

Three elderly friends concoct a scheme to rob a bank...but what will they do with all that money? Although bank robbery is hardly endearing, director Martin Brest (doing very nimble work) glosses over the extremities and gives us George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg at their most amiable. Brest isn't afraid to be tender, but he's not maudlin and has a good sense of humor and pacing. Unfortunately, the screenplay loses steam in its third act, which gets gummed up with much realer issues and plot-snags (an unconvincing jaunt to Las Vegas is also weak). Up to that point, however, surprisingly good, with the three leads impeccably interacting. *** from ****