Following the successful Schläfer (Sleeper), Der Räuber (The Robber) is Benjamin Heisenberg’s second feature film.  Based on Martin Prinz’s novel on Austria’s infamous “Pumpgun Ronnie”, the film tells the story of Johann Rettenberger (Andreas Lust), a misfit who, driven by his endorphin addiction and inexplicable urge to stay in motion, embarks on a spectacular career of robbing banks and winning marathons. Motivated by the sheer beauty and smoothness of his criminal campaigns, Rettenberger becomes increasingly reckless and calculative in his activities until Erika (Franziska Weisz) steps into his life. She offers him refuge and love, however, the dark secrets he hides from her soon catch up with them.

A masterly conceived thriller, this film is a delightful and heart-pounding experience.

Austria/Germany 2009, 90 minutes, German with English sub-titles