Originally published May 4, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 4, 2007 at 2:00 AM
Movie review
"The Flying Scotsman's" inspirational tale sends spirits soaring
"The Flying Scotsman" is the true story of Graeme Obree, a Scottish amateur cyclist who broke the World Hour Record (for distance covered...
Special to The Seattle Times

"The Flying Scotsman," with Jonny Lee Miller, Billy Boyd, Brian Cox, Laura Fraser. Directed by Douglas Mackinnon, from a screenplay by John Brown, Declan Hughes and Simon Rose. 103 minutes. Rated PG-13 for some mature thematic elements and strong language. Several theaters.
"The Flying Scotsman" is the true story of Graeme Obree, a Scottish amateur cyclist who broke the World Hour Record (for distance covered) in 1994. An underdog suffering bouts of clinical depression, Obree won over cycling fans everywhere by pedaling a bike he built himself (using, among other things, parts from a washing machine).
Unfortunately, official powers controlling the sport of competitive cycling were less than enamored with Obree's accomplishment, as well as his scrappy defense of the ingeniously designed bike. Stripped of his title, Obree then persevered through an uphill battle to reclaim it, barely living through some particularly dark patches in mental health.
Movie review 
![]()
![]()
Showtimes
"The Flying Scotsman," with Jonny Lee Miller, Billy Boyd, Brian Cox, Laura Fraser. Directed by Douglas Mackinnon, from a screenplay by John Brown, Declan Hughes and Simon Rose.
103 minutes. Rated PG-13 for some mature thematic elements and strong language.
Jonny Lee Miller ("Trainspotting") is enormously sympathetic and appealing as Obree, whose precise problems, at least at their root, are treated with such respect and discretion by the filmmakers that "The Flying Scotsman" does not in the least feel voyeuristic. Director Douglas Mackinnon and several screenwriters emphasize endurance over triumph, and in that vein we experience Obree's agonies, both in and out of racing sequences, as matters of survival.
A terrific supporting cast provides emotional ballast to Miller's painful performance, including Billy Boyd as Obree's loyal trainer and friend, and Laura Fraser as his supportive wife. The film is all but stolen, however, by Brian Cox, who plays a special confidante to Obree, a character whose passion for cycling comically interferes with his other duties.
Gavin Finney's cinematography provides a unique perspective on a racing cyclist's view as Obree goes round and round, monotonously, on a slanted track. But an equally compelling look from the inside of Obree's illness offers the film's most stunning moment, a psychodramatic extension of depression's demons. After watching this scene, one is that much happier to read during closing credits that the real-life Obree seems to be doing just fine these days.
Tom Keogh: tomwkeogh@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Dining Deals: Late-night Pike Street Fish Fry expands its hours
UPDATE - 09:42 AM
Deja vu: Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target in DVD price war
NEW - 10:16 AM
Movie review: 'The Box': A stylish, intriguing mess from 'Donnie Darko' director
Movie review: 'A Christmas Carol': 3-D adaptation is faithful to the spirit of the 1843 original
Movie review: 'An Education' you won't forget

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- Heavy snow in Cascades shuts down roads
- UCLA game thread
940 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
336 - U.S. House passes health plan
325 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
229 - Decision day for health care in the House
207 - Grading the game
151 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
134 - Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
108 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
76 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
72
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- How do innovators think?
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall








