Loch Ness (1996)

Director:

John Henderson

Writer (WGA):

John Fusco (written by)

Release Date:

20 September 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

for 1500 years one legend remains undiscovered undisturbed until now LOCH NESS

Plot:

A scientist tries to prove the existence of the Loch Ness monster.

Plot Keywords:

Loch Ness Monster | Cryptozoology | Independent Film

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Ted Danson	...	Dempsey
Joely Richardson	...	Laura
Ian Holm	...	Water Bailiff
Harris Yulin	...	Dr. Mercer
James Frain	...	Adrian Foote
Keith Allen	...	Gordon Shoals
Nick Brimble	...	Andy Maclean
Kirsty Graham	...	Isabel
Harry Jones	...	Wee Wullie
Philip O'Brien	...	Dr. Abernathy
Joseph Greig	...	Guideon
John Dair	...	Macleish
John Verea	...	Tow Truck Driver
Debora Weston	...	Dr. Hunter (as Deborah Weston)
Wolf Kahler	...	Dr. Muller

MPAA:

Rated PG for language, mild sensuality and a fist fight.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | South Korea:All | Australia:G | Finland:K-11 | Germany:o.Al. (w) | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:T | UK:PG | USA:PG | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Bracknell, Berkshire, England, UK

Company:

Polygram Filmed Entertainment

Trivia:

The film was originally intended for theatrical release. However it aired on network television in the U.S. before it was released in theaters.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: When you see the train to London passing from the outside, the carriages are the Mk3 type introduced in the early 1980's. But when Dr. Dempsey and the Water Bailiff are talking inside the carriage, the shape of the carriage windows are clearly that of the Mk1 carriages, rarely, if ever, used with Mk3s.

Quotes:

Dr. Mercer: I want you to not find the monster. I want you to use state of the art equipment to prove that it's not there.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Frank Skinner Live in Birmingham (1998) (V)

Romantic, Charming

I'm an old romantic, so I enjoyed this successfully executed formula movie. I enjoyed the premise of a burned out idealistic bigfoot researcher being sent to the Scottish boondocks because he needed the job, at the risk of securing his reputation as a myth chaser. Ted Dansen came up with a convincing edginess to his character (but still obviously with a big heart) that was a refreshing addition to his normal comic characterizations. I also love the idea that in some little corner of the boondooks you can stumble on a Scottish fair maiden whose twinkle in the eye can steal your heart. Joely Richardson's character makes you fall in love with her with a toss of her head. The sparring of the characters is good fun. The plot of the movie could have gone several ways; the writers chose to go the "Disney Movie" route, which provides satisfying entertainment for kids, without seriously degrading the by-the-book but convincing romance. A young James Frain shows outstanding appeal and promise as a powerhouse actor in his character as an idealistic and enthusiastic sidekick to Ted Dansen's beast hunter, a fun character to watch.

The story is paced and told with an experienced hand; it provided a very pleasant getaway on a winter's afternoon, transporting the viewer to the famous Loch Ness region of Scotland. I think the photography could have been more painterly and mystical, but you get a good eyeful of the dramatic Scottish landscape.

The music score is a nice selection of Scottish influenced themes, with the soaring "Rhythm Of My Heart" by Rod Stewart as the final credits roll.

So if you're a romantic, you should thoroughly enjoy this movie. If not, it will probably be be too formulaic and "Disney-esque" for you.