Gene Hackman takes a break from movies

Gene Hackman says he's finally taking a breather after making more than 80 movies.

He is currently appearing in three films on release in the US.

But at the age of 71 he says he's now concentrating on his second novel and painting.

"I don't have a movie job set up right now," he said.

"I'm 71 years old, and I'm trying desperately to slow down. So I'll wait and see how these three do and then look around."

Hackman can be seen in Heist, The Royal Tenenbaums and Behind Enemy Lines.

He won Oscars for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven.