Liam Neeson: From "Taken" icon to action film criticism

Liam Neeson has become the hero of action films that viewers love. Critics are less enthusiastic, predicting the actor’s downfall. Neeson did not expect "Taken" to achieve such success, but he does have some regrets.

Liam Neeson holds the status of a cinema legend in Hollywood. He has starred in many cult films, but in recent years, he has become primarily known for action films of questionable quality. As we have noted, more and more critics are observing that productions with Neeson are starting to resemble the low-quality films of Steven Seagal. Is the actor’s lucky streak over? Many scenes from his new productions depict Neeson appearing worried, either with a headset or behind the wheel. The actor is unconcerned about this and is working on nine new films.

Neeson had many box-office hits and immense recognisability when offered to play in "Taken." He did not dare to imagine that the film would change his career. It tells a relatively simple story about a former government employee whose daughter is kidnapped in Paris. He flies to rescue her. "I read [the script] and just thought, 'This would be great; just hang out with stuntmen every day and beat guys up," he said in an interview with "GQ." "I did think it would be straight-to-video," he added.

Neeson greatly underestimated it. The film, made for £20 million, hit cinemas worldwide, grossing £182 million. It became an undisputed hit, and despite the years passing, it is still shown on television. Neeson often talks about the behind-the-scenes experiences of this production in interviews. Recently, he recalled a story about a driver who embarrassed him quite a bit.

"I had a driver when I was doing Taken, the first Taken movie 15 years ago I think it was, and we were shooting in LA for the first week, and at the end of the first week, my driver as he dropped me off at the hotel, he said, "Mr. Neeson, can I ask you a question?" I said, "Yeah, sure." He says, "I've started to read the script of Taken, I've got to page 40, I think he said. It says you've taken the lives of 26 people,'" the actor recalled in an interview with ScreenRant.

"I didn't know how to answer that. I felt quite embarrassed. They said in such a way as if, 'Are you sure you've read this script? Because you do nasty things to people.' Neeson recalled.

In the end, the actor does not particularly care whether some sensitive people perceive it poorly. Let us remember that by 2014, three "Taken" films were made. According to reports, Neeson earned £4 million for the first part and £16 million for the third. Participation in the series was supposed to bring him £32 million. It is estimated that Neeson has amassed a fortune of £117 million.