THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 13, 1995 TAG: 9504130048
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Movie Review
SOURCE: BY MAL VINCENT, MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
``ROB ROY'' IS a surprise in that it is more a film of emotional sweep and maturity than it is of either spectacle or physical action. As directed by Michael Caton-Jones and played with tremendous conviction and presence by Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange, the two central characters are perhaps the most convincing lovers in many a screen year.
The legendary Scottish figure Robert Roy MacGregor, better known as Rob Roy, led a rebellion against the British landlords - particularly, the Marquis of Montrose - that lasted from about 1712 to 1725.
The film furthers the lore and creates a few legends of its own in the narrative of how Rob Roy broke with the Marquis over a business deal. Having been loaned a hefty sum to buy cattle and get his clan through the winter, Rob Roy was eventually declared an outlaw when he could not pay it back. In the film, the money is stolen by a heinous villain. Good and evil are clearly drawn, but in a sensible rather than comic-book style.
Rob Roy is presented as a valiant, noble and honest fellow whose choices are beyond reproach. The plot is so simple and familiar, yet it comes across as more sincere than most such costume films.
Neeson is a no-nonsense hero who makes kilts look downright manly. ``Schindler's List'' may have been Neeson's acting breakthrough, but it is ``Rob Roy'' that proves he is a movie star.
There are many contradictory nuances for him to overcome in this plot. For one thing, Rob Roy deserts his family to take to the hills, thinking this is the best decision. As a result, the villains burn his house, ravage his wife and generally run amuck.
Lange, who recently won an Oscar for her performance in ``Blue Sky,'' plays Mary, his feisty red-headed wife, on a thoroughly equal stance. This is no usual role in which the wife stands quietly by. Mary makes a courageous decision to hide the rape she suffered to save her husband, knowing that the deed was a bait to lure him into disaster.
Lange, 45, plays the role with practically no makeup - and with no nonsense. She's a woman of the earth - strong and decisive. She is, in every way, a woman who can stand on equal terms with Rob Roy.
And when she lifts his skirts, it's one of the hottest, most naturally joyful love scenes in years.
The film is almost stolen by the psychotic ravings of Tim Roth as Cunningham, one of the more despicable and contradictory villains in recent movie memory.
Roth, who bled to death in ``Reservoir Dogs'' and robbed a diner in ``Pulp Fiction,'' is usually a more restrained actor. Here, he goes over the top, and dares us to look away. Initially, Cunningham is seen as a fop, a prissy being in wig and satin. It is an illusion. Ultimately, the character is an expert swordsman, a man capable of rape, and an awesome foe for Rob Roy in the movie's climactic finale. He's dangerous in every way.
John Hurt, as the Marquis of Montrose, is intriguing. The Marquis is a vain aristocrat who thinks more of the castle and the court than of his people. Eric Stoltz, lending perhaps too much of an American touch, is the unfortunate lad who is used to bring about disaster.
The opening half hour is rather slow, and your ear must become attuned to the burrs of the Scottish accent.
The scenery - remarkable vistas of the Scottish highlands that remain the most scarcely populated area in Europe - provides more than just a beautiful vista. The land is what this film is about.
Most admirable is the fact that the script avoids the usual temptation to add modern slang. This film stays entirely within its 18th century setting in both mood and language. ILLUSTRATION: MOVIE REVIEW
``Rob Roy''
Cast: Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Eric
Stoltz, Brian Cox
Director: Michael Caton-Jones
Screenplay: Alan Sharp
Music: Carter Burwell
MPAA rating: R (violence, rape, sexuality)
Mal's rating: ***1/2
Locations: Chesapeake Square in Chesapeake, Janaf, R/C Main Gate
in Norfolk, Lynnhaven, Kemps River, Surf-N-Sand in Virginia Beach
by CNB