Well for this week’s theme I planned to do highwaymen. However due to some technical difficulties I was only able to watch one of my pics, Plunkett & MacCleane.
The film shares the name of two actual highwaymen, but that is all. It is very much it’s own thing in a comic way.
McCleane ((Jonny Lee Miller ) is a destitute member of the gentry in debtors prison. Plunkett ( Robert Carlyle) is a former apothecary turned highway man. When a botched robbery ends with the death of Plunkett’s young partner, they are drawn together with a plan. McClean is the inside man who infiltrates the aristocracy picking their make. Plunkett is the planner. Together they become the Gentleman Bandits. But their success can’t go on forever. Their notoriety draws the attention of Theif Catcher General Chance. Also MacCleane has fallen for the lovely Lady Rebecca., played by Liv Tyler. He has also been drinking away most of the pairs profits.
This was one of those films that was very much it’s own thing. It was listed as a comedy but fits what I’ve been calling humorous adventure. At first glance it seems like a well researched period piece. But as the film goes on it has a very anachronistic vibe, extenuated by a soundtrack featuring The Tiger Lillies..
All in all a fun diversion.
