Robert Redford isn’t the greatest of actors, nor the greatest of directors. His acting high point hinges around two classic films he made with Paul Newman at the begging of his career (Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid and The Sting). And his directing highpoint was his debut film Ordinary People back in 1980, which earned him an Oscar. What is true about Redford is even at 76 he is still a handsome devil. Your Mum loves him. Your Dad wants to be his drinking buddy. Another truth about Redford; he makes solid films. Not mind-blowing, but solid. The Company You Keep is no exception.
The film opens with archival footage from the 60’s and 70’s. News reporters talk about a radical group of protestors who refer to themselves as ‘The Weather Underground’. True, this group did exist, but the story that unfolds for the next 2 hours is one of fiction. A bank robbery was committed by 4 Weathermen in the 1970’s. It accidentally turned violent, and the banks security guard was shot dead. They were able to escape on that fateful day, going their separate ways, changing their names and identities.
Decades later one of the members (Susan Sarandon) turns herself into the FBI. Ben Shepard (Shia LeBeouf), a young aggressive journalist starts searching around for information on the others who were involved. Of course this pisses off the FBI to no end, especially when his investigating skills outshine theirs. Before long, Ben uncovers Jim Grant (Robert Redford), a former Weatherman member wanted for murder. After living under an assumed identity for thirty years, Jim must now make a break for it, heading on a cross-country search for the one person who can clear his name. Meanwhile the FBI is in hot pursuit and so is The Beouf who’s oh so close to discovering Jim’s secret.
What this film does well is satisfy its target audience: Your Mum and Dad. It’s like a political thriller from yesteryear where much of the story is dialogue driven. No need to think too hard here, the characters will tell you what’s happening incase you missed something. This film is also exempt from your typical act-2 lull in thrillers where nothing really happens. This is thanks to an outstanding support cast who progress the story nicely with rich performances. You can tell the likes of Nick Nolte, Richard Jenkins, Chris Cooper, Sam Elliot and Julie Christie really enjoy sharing the frame with Redford. Unfortunately that’s all we really have here, a strong cast carrying an otherwise below par, run of the mill thriller.
I’m gonna have to do something I don’t feel entirely comfortable with and that’s give The Beouf some credit. In the past he’s always come across as someone way too eager. It’s like he so desperately wants to become a respected actor and an admired artist that he goes to ridiculous lengths. Did anyone else see his nude appearance in that music video for Sigur Ros? Too far Beouf! Tone it down. I guess his performance in this film of a super eager journalist suits his persona, but he keeps it very measured and I must say admirably restrained. He doesn’t try to steal the show. His performance is very believable and will make you forget about the awkward scenes between Redford and his 12 year old daughter, where chemistry is the last thing you’ll find. The most amazing performance of the film however goes to Sarandon, who hasn’t given such depth since her Oscar winning performance in Dead Man Walking. Even though her screen time is minimal, it will leave a lasting impression.
A nostalgic turn for Redford, this feels like his love letter to 60’s idealism. Characters wax lyrical about the fact that if Governments can have their own set of moral rules, then so can the people. They reflect on the idea that a whole generation of pissed off young people were onto something back then. Maybe they weren’t sure what that ‘something’ was, but all sharing in an undeniable feeling that what they were doing was right. The issues raised in this film are just as relevant today as they were in the days of Vietnam, and this will resonate throughout the viewing. It’s unfortunate that this film is probably about half a decade too late. Because for the past 10 years there have been a new generation of pissed off young people similar to those in the 60’s. They also can’t help but look around, shake their heads and say, “what the fuck is going on?”
THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
Directed by: Robert Redford
Written by: Lem Dobbs
Cast: Robert Redford, Shia LeBeouf, Susan Sarandon
Released by: Madmen Entertainment