The movie provided me with a change of scenery but not much else. The story is of a marathon runner/bank robber who while out on parole goes back to his old tricks.The film is slow moving I guess that is called minimalist...little dialogue and frankly somewhat grey and boring like winter in Vienna until he kills his parole officer and a chase ensues (there is one other chase in a bank robbery which helped too spark some interest too).Otherwise boring.Cinematography and acting are up to par it is the story or script that lags...not in an annoying way but in a boring way.....anyway after much thought I give it a 5. Crack a whip over some writers and add some fiction as other reviewers suggested and it could have been a lot better.Don't really recommend

Adapted from Dennis Prinz's novel, which is based on real events, "The Robber" has all the elements of a penetrating character study. Unfortunately, director Martin Heisenberg doesn't always use those elements to his advantage. The story is about Johann Rettenberger, an Austrian bandit/marathoner known as "Pump-gun Ronnie." Heisenberg takes a muted, non-psychological approach to his story, and without much in the way of emotional engagement, keeping viewers engaged is certainly more challenging than need be.Andreas Lust stars as Johann Rettenberger, a serial bank robber who has spent a six- year bid in prison training as a long-distance runner. After being released from prison, Johann runs into Erika (Franziska Weisz) at the Job Center which helps ex- cons find work. The dialogue makes it clear they've met before, but the narrative annoyingly withholds any connection to their past. Why is the beautiful, well-to-do Erika so drawn to this emotionally distant career criminal?Ultimately, Johann returns to Vienna and combines his two true passions and what he knows best -- running and knocking over banks. His dominance on the marathon circuit gets him noticed, as does his daylight bank heists. Notoriously referred to as "Pump-gun Ronnie," after the Ronald Reagan mask he wears and the shotgun he brandishes. To this day, Rettenberger still holds the record time in the Bergmarathon, a world-famous marathon held in the Austrian Alps.Frustratingly, we never really get a sense of who Johann is or what motivates him. He is expressionless, cold-hearted, and remains distant throughout. Heisenberg's treatment vividly communicates Rettenberger's neurotic defiance and destructive behavior, but that's no substitute for enabling the viewer to become invested in the character's fate. Johann does not let people into his life, and is a blank cipher as to why he leads the life of a bank robber. It is clearly not the money. Maybe it's the rush he gets, or maybe it is an unexplained obsession. The filmmaker leaves it for the viewer to decide. Although Heisenberg tries to suggest the robberies provide Johann with an adrenaline rush similar to that he experiences while running marathons, the character fails to show any sense of pleasure or catharsis that would make this parallel interesting.Technical aspects of the film are highly impressive, and the incorporation of Johann into actual Vienna Marathon provides a real sense of authenticity. As a matter of execution, the film's last act is undeniably thrilling. Exceptional work by steadicam operator Matthias Biber gives all the chases and action sequences a visceral energy. "The Robber" could have been a great representation of compulsive behavior. As is, it is a rigid film that is technically sound with a fascinating lead protagonist we still know nothing about.

This film is a very different take on bank robbery. The proceeds of the robberies are never spent. The romantic interest is something that the central character had not planned on happening. It is a strangely atmospheric film with a neutral obsessive atmosphere. Running and robbing become merged for the central character who has no accomplices. It takes a very unlikable type of person to commit armed robbery. The bizarre way the central character is emotionally stunted and drab is a welcome departure from Hollywood anti-heroes. A good film that is very chilling. The lack of primary colour used in the film adds to the feeling of claustrophobia.The robber appears to be locked into two obsessive behavioural patterns robbing and running. There is no real mention of his past beyond a still photograph. We never know what made this man turn out as he does.

That's the first time I watch an austrian film. And I am amazed by this pretty little thriller inspired by actual events. A flawless masterpiece. The tale of a bank robber released from jail who continues his outlaw activities. A real pro who is also a long time running champ.What an unusual character. The settings, editing, characterization and directing are all perfect. You never lose your attention. The downbeat ending makes me think of THE American. And not only the ending...And there are some sequences that also make you think of POINT BREAK.Don't miss it.