Stephen Lang’s illustrious acting career is marked by numerous memorable roles. My earliest encounter of his talent was in the 2003 film, Gods and Generals, where he portrayed the Tennessee-born Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Watching this movie was a requirement in my college film class, and I vividly recall being impressed by Lang’s performance. However, it seemed like he temporarily disappeared from the films I followed, only to make a notable comeback in the 2009 blockbuster Avatar. Despite his significant role in the mega-hit, he didn’t seem to land many other prominent parts.
In 2016, Lang became the main antagonist in the suspenseful thriller, Don’t Breathe. He portrayed a blind man whose home was invaded by would-be robbers, but as the story unfolds, we discover his sinister intentions and his dark past involving a basement prisoner. This role showcased his exceptional acting skills, but it left a lasting impression on me, typecasting him as this menacing character in my mind. Even with the release of Don’t Breathe 2, my perception of him as the malevolent blind man persisted, regardless of the character’s intended complexities and the writers’ attempts to evoke different feelings toward him. Stephen Lang’s portrayal was so powerful that it left a mark on me, making it challenging to see him in any other light.
I recently stumbled upon Old Man, a film featuring Stephen Lang in the lead role as a reclusive elderly man living with his faithful dog in a remote Tennessee cabin. One day, his existence is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of a stranger named Joe (Marc Senter), who claims to have lost his way while hiking. Filled with suspicion, the old man becomes convinced that Joe is not just a lost hiker, but is actually sent by his ex-wife, Genie (Liana Wright-Mark).
Driven by this belief, the old man takes Joe hostage, convinced that there’s a hidden purpose behind his visit. As the two engage in tense exchanges, the old man gradually opens up and shares a past encounter with a traveling bible salesman (Patch Darragh), who had visited his cabin before. As the night deepens, both Joe and the old man reveal profound secrets about themselves, plunging into a nightmarish and psychologically gripping journey.
To me, Old Man didn’t quite live up to its potential. Director Lucky McKee introduces a compelling premise that holds promise throughout two-thirds of the film. Stephen Lang’s portrayal of the paranoid old man is exceptional, and he delivers a convincing performance. However, as the movie reaches its third act, it seems like everything falls apart.
It felt as though the creative energy of the cast and crew had been depleted early on, leaving little in reserve for the crucial climax. Regrettably, the ending became foreseeable long before it arrived, lacking that last-minute twist to inject some excitement and change the course of the story. As a result, Old Man ended up feeling like a disappointment after its strong start, failing to deliver a satisfying resolution, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
While Stephen Lang’s characters from Old Man and Don’t Breathe on paper might seem similar, the movies do an excellent job of setting them apart.
In the Don’t Breathe franchise, Lang’s blind man is depicted as a formidable, unyielding killing machine, exuding confidence and strength. On the contrary, Old Man presents a completely different version — an anxious and paranoid individual, haunted by his past and living in constant fear of it resurfacing. The stark contrast between these two roles showcases Lang’s remarkable versatility as an actor.
Despite the initial resemblance between the characters, he manages to infuse them with unique traits that make them almost polar opposites. In Don’t Breathe, he embodies a menacing and powerful figure, while in Old Man, he becomes a vulnerable and troubled soul. Lang’s ability to portray two seemingly similar individuals in such distinct ways speaks volumes about his talent and artistry as an actor, leaving a lasting impression on audiences for both characters in their own exceptional and memorable manner.
I rate Old Man two out of five stars. Stephen Lang’s portrayal of a character that could have easily been a copy-paste rendition of his previous notable role shows his range and talent, making the old man feel refreshingly distinct. Director McKee skillfully started the movie, captivating the audience and manipulating our perceptions, which kept us engaged. However, the third act fell short, becoming monotonous, predictable and excessively prolonged, ultimately failing to deliver a satisfying payoff that could have rekindled our interest.
Looking forward to the release of the upcoming Avatar films, I hope Stephen Lang will have the opportunity to shine anew and showcase his acting prowess in fresh and exciting roles.