"Rob Roy," starring Liam Neeson in the title role of the eighteenth-century Scottish outlaw, will be shown tonight at 7:00 as part of the Loew series featuring new Celtic cinema.
The film, directed by Scottish-born Michael Caton-Jones, tells the story of Robert MacGregor, the legendary Scotsman who feuded with British nobility in the early eighteenth century. Whereas Rob Roy has been likened by many to a Scottish Robin Hood, the film itself has been said to recall the swashbuckling epics of Errol Flynn.
Liam Neeson, whom Newsweek called "the current paragon of Celtic virility" plays Rob with an imposing masculinity that is infused with tenderness. An equally strong performance is delivered by Jessica Lange as Rob's wife, Mary MacGregor. Sensual, and sans makeup, she embodies the strong, earthy character of the film.
Caton-Jones, whose other works have included "Scandal," "Memphis Belle," "Doc Hollywood," and "This Boy's Life," takes a deep interest in depicting the profound love between Mary and Rob and unabashedly portrays the strong sexual bond between the two. "Their scenes together are striking evocations of the mature intimacies of a long, loyal marriage," writes Terrence Rafferty in "The New Yorker." These scenes of connubial love are played in counterpoint to scenes of action and swordplay.
Actor Tim Roth, who appeared in last term's screening of "Little Odessa" and will soon be seen in the Dartmouth Film Society's presentation of "Four Rooms," once again proves his versatility in the portrayal of the deliciously demented Lord Archibald Cunningham, Rob Roy's arch-rival. Bringing a foppish and decadent yet deeply disturbing quality to the character, Roth affirms his standing as the current British import of favor.
"Rob Roy" has a fine supporting cast, including John Hurt as Cunningham's patron, the Marquis of Montrose, Andrew Keir as the Duke of Argyll and Eric Stolz as one of Rob's clansmen.
As is true of many films that are shot on location in the Highlands, the cinematography is breathtaking. "Rob Roy" is as a romantic story of love, honor and family which culminates in a fantastically choreographed sword fight between Roy and Cunningham. Tickets are $6 to the general public and $5 with Dartmouth IDs and can be purchased at the Loew Box Office.
