Tim Roth: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

2. Archibald Cunningham - Rob Roy (1995)

Liam Neeson might spring to mind at the utterance of the words "Rob Roy," but it's Tim Roth's turn in this medieval movie as Archibald Cunningham that makes it truly worthwhile. There's good reason why the actor received a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in Best Supporting Role for his delicious performance, of course (and let's not forget that he was also bestowed with a Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor, too). Even though he didn't win the latter, it's easy to see why the Academy reacted as they did; he's mesmerising. As the Marquis of Montrose's super diabolical nephew, Roth oozes raw unlike-ability all over the screen from beginning to end - his character is horrid, of course, obsessed with violence and general debauchery in all of its forms, but instead of rendering Cunningham as a caricature, there's still a sense of reality to the man. It would have been easy to ham this role up, given the nature of Cunningham, but Roth layers him effortlessly as a villain. When he's finally offed in the memorable final fight, we're somewhat sad to see him go - he makes the movie!