Rough Cut

Rough Cut

Year: 1980

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Directors: Peter R. Hunt, Robert Ellis Miller

AdventureMysteryComedyRomanceCrime

Two aspiring filmmakers plot revenge against a producer who dismissed their script by orchestrating a daring heist and documenting the entire operation. As they delve deeper into their plan, unexpected challenges arise, exposing hidden secrets and escalating the danger. They find themselves caught in a complex web of deceit and must fight to survive while attempting to prove a point about judging potential.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Rough Cut yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Rough Cut (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rough Cut (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

London, Amsterdam, Antwerp

London serves as the starting hub where a wealthy American lifestyle collides with crime as parties and luxury set the stage for Jack and Gillian. Amsterdam becomes a key cross-border junction where the diamond shipment is diverted and the heist accelerates. Antwerp, connected to the diamonds trade, appears as the destination the criminals target. The film moves across these cosmopolitan locations, using iconic urban scenery to heighten the tension of the caper.

🏙️ Urban setting 💎 Diamond trade 🧭 European travel

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:14

Main Characters – Rough Cut (1980)

Meet the key characters of Rough Cut (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack Rhodes (Burt Reynolds)

A wealthy American living in London, Jack is a suave, confident thief who leads the elaborate plan to steal the uncut diamonds. He uses charm to manipulate others, yet harbors a capacity for risk and loyalty that drives the plot forward.

🧭 Antagonist 🕴️ Charismatic 🗺️ Planner

Gillian Bromley (Lesley-Anne Down)

A skilled thief who steals for the thrill and is drawn to Jack. She becomes both a romantic interest and a key intermediary, playing a dangerous game of deception as she navigates Willis's trap and Jack's crew.

💘 Seductive 🗝️ Thief 🧭 Manipulator

Chief Inspector Willis

A veteran Scotland Yard detective who knows Jack is a diamond thief and contrives a setup to catch him before his retirement. He uses Gillian as a conduit to bait Jack, keeping one step ahead with a calculated mind.

🕵️ Investigator 🧠 Strategist

Mercenary getaway driver

A wary, capable driver recruited for the Amsterdam leg of the plan. He becomes an initial favorite for the escape route but is later replaced, reflecting the shifting loyalties and the precarious nature of the crew.

🚗 Driver 💣 Risk-taker

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:14

Major Themes – Rough Cut (1980)

Explore the central themes of Rough Cut (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💎 Diamond Heist

The central plot revolves around a glittering diamond theft that tests charm, nerve, and planning. The heist is built on misdirection, bold daring, and careful coordination among Jack and his crew. The setting across London, Amsterdam, and Antwerp amplifies the sense of a high-stakes, globe-trotting scheme.

🕵️ Deception

The story thrives on manipulation and double-crosses. Willis engineers a setup using Gillian to bait Jack, while Jack pretends to be unaware of the trap. The twist reveals that both sides were playing a longer game, driving the tension toward an unexpected alliance.

💘 Romance

Gillian and Jack's growing attraction complicates the criminal plan, introducing betrayal as a personal risk. Their romance blurs moral lines and challenges trust as the pair navigate loyalty, love, and the thrill of the score. The relationship becomes both fuel and friction within the caper.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:14

Unlock the Full Story of Rough Cut

Don't stop at just watching — explore Rough Cut in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Rough Cut is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Rough Cut Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Rough Cut, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Rough Cut Summary

Rough Cut Timeline

Track the full timeline of Rough Cut with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Rough Cut Timeline

More About Rough Cut

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Rough Cut: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Rough Cut

Similar Movies to Rough Cut

Discover movies like Rough Cut that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.