dir: Benjamin Heisenberg
pro: Nikolaus Geyrhalter, Markus Glaser, Michael Kitzberger, Wolfgang Widerhofer, Peter Heilrath, Nikolaus Geyrhalter Filmproduktion GmbH / Peter Heilrath Filmproduktion
sc: Benjamin Heisenberg, Martin Prinz ph: Reinhold Vorschneider
mus: Lorenz Dangel
ed: Andrea Wagner, Benjamin Heisenberg
cast: Andreas Lust, Franziska Weisz, Markus Schleinzer, Max Edelbacher
dis: Films Distribution

Benjamin Heisenberg’s thriller “Der Räuber” (“The Robber”) is based on Martin Prinz’ novel which tells the story of the spectacular criminal escapades of Austria’s infamous “Pump-gun Ronnie”. The film tells the story of Johann Rettenberger (Andreas Lust) a restless misfit whose anarchistic worldview leads him into an unavoidable conflict with the society which suffocates his free spirit. Heisenberg portrays the robber as a top level athlete an “endorphin-junkie” who is driven by an inexplicable desire to stay in motion. Motivated by the pure beauty of the criminal campaigns he executes, he is both cool and calculated whilst also fast and resourceful in the frenzied intensity of his criminal exploits. Rettenberger’s emotional indifference to rehabilitation is shattered the moment Erika steps back into his life during a chance meeting at the job centre. She offers him refuge and a place to stay, however the dark secrets he hides from her and his probation officer soon overwhelm him. Misguided in his dual search for love and freedom, the authorities finally begin to close in on the robber.

The Robber / Der Räuber (AT-DE) 2009 colour 96 min.