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Plunkett & Macleane
Ribald costume romp about two dandy highwayman from 18th-century London who make the fatal error of falling in love with one of their victims. Stars Trainspotters Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle
ill Plunkett (Carlyle) and Captain James Macleane (Miller) are two men from opposite ends of the social sewer system, but with Plunkett's criminal mind and Macleane's connections among the well-powdered upper classes the pair decide to form a partnership to rid aristocrats of their money. Thanks to Macleane's courteous manner upon robbing the coach of Lord Justice Gibson (Michael Gambon) and his niece, Lady Rebecca Gibson (Liv Tyler), the duo garner a reputation as The Gentleman Highwaymen. Such is their fame that it piques the interest of the Government's Thief Taker General (Ken Stott), a man who enjoys gouging out the eyes of his prey. It is surely just a matter of time before the dandy robbers meet their comeuppance. At its best Plunkett & Macleane is a rock'n'rollicking olde worlde Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, full of tongue-in-cheek references and irreverent laddish comedy. But, sadly, despite some excellent set pieces and gimmicks (such as a ballroom of ladies and gents dancing the minuet while the film's audience hear contemporary rock), there is far too much gothic bleakness that seems at odds with the core of the film. On the upside, the robbery scenes are excellent, the look of the film is often stunning and both Carlyle and Miller work well together among a fine supporting cast. Overall, a striking romp. |
