Travis Simpkins: Rob Roy (1995): Liam Neeson and Tim Roth in 18th Century Scotland

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Rob Roy (1995): Liam Neeson and Tim Roth in 18th Century Scotland

Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, and written by Alan Sharp, Rob Roy (1995) earned wide critical praise for the performances of it's cast. In the 18th Century Scottish Highlands, Rob Roy MacGregor is a clan chief and cattle drover whose honor puts him at odds with an unscrupulous and powerful nobleman. While the minute historical facts of the film's story are questionable, the attention to detail in the period costumes and sets is spot-on accurate and well-researched. The cinematography is both foggy and vibrant, capturing the rugged on-location scenes of the Scottish Highlands… with some sites so remote and isolated that the cast and crew had to be brought in by helicopter. Liam Neeson is great in the title role as Rob Roy MacGregor. Tim Roth is superbly sadistic as the dainty killer, Archibald Cunningham. Jessica Lange co-stars as MacGregor's dutiful wife. John Hurt is James Graham, 4th Marquess of Montrose. Andrew Keir is John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll. Eric Stolz and Brian Cox appear in supporting roles.