The Grey Fox

Phillip Borsos's 1982 Canadian film takes off from the true story of Bill Miner, a stagecoach robber released in 1901 after thirty-three years in prison. He does not recognise the world he comes out into; there are no stagecoaches left, and after seeing the film The Great Train Robbery he decides to rob trains. Its appeal is building the western template on old age and not fitting in: Miner is not a villain but a man who cannot accept that time has passed. Richard Farnsworth's performance is calm and almost wordless. The British Columbia landscapes are strong. It won many awards at the Genies, including best film. The pace is slow and there is little action. Who it's for: viewers interested in revisionist westerns and Canadian cinema. Who it's not for: anyone wanting action, or who will find a slow pace wearing.