THE FLYING SCOTSMAN (FILM)

'''The Flying Scotsman''' is a 2006 film, based on the life and career of Scottish amateur cyclist Graeme Obree. The film covers the period of Obree's life that saw him take, lose, and then retake the world one-hour distance record. The film stars Jonny Lee Miller as Obree, Laura Fraser, Billy Boyd and Brian Cox.

Contents

Production

Cast

Release

Reception

References

External links

Production

''The Flying Scotsman'' first attracted screenwriter Simon Rose in 1994.¹ Along with ''Rob Roy'' producer, Peter Broughan, and Scottish director, Douglas Mackinnon, he based the film's script on Obree's autobiography, also entitled ''The Flying Scotsman''. The film, however, seemed doomed to fail and was cancelled several times.
In 2002, the death of a key American investor caused ''The Flying Scotsman'' to collapse only days before shooting was planned to commence.¹ East Ayrshire Council, who originally gave £5000 to fund the project, refused to give further finance, stating that it didn't feel it would contribute to the community.^[2] Producer, Broughan, called the decision "a disgrace".² It took three years for the project to get back on track. Broughan was joined by producer Damita Nikapota on the project who secured pre-production finance from Freewheel Productions.¹ Peter Broughan tried to sack the director Douglas Mackinnon but Damita Nikapota refused to let this happen.^[3]
Shooting of the film began on July 7, 2006 and ended September 4, 2006.¹ The film was shot largely in the United Kingdom, with East Ayrshire, Glasgow and a velodrome in Germany standing in for places in the story such as Colombia, France and Norway.³

Cast

★ 'Jonny Lee Miller' as 'Graeme Obree': The main character in the film. Jonny Lee Miller joined the project in 2002,^[4] and he and Obree spent time together, Miller keen to pick up mannerisms and speech patterns.^[5] Obree would later stand-in for Miller during some cycling sequences in the film.⁵

★ 'Laura Fraser' as 'Anne Obree': Obree's wife, who was once his manager. Laura Fraser had misgivings about playing Obree's wife, Anne, when she was sent Obree's autobiography from Douglas Mackinnon. "The Flying Scotsman" production notes "I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as I thought it would be all about sport," said Laura, "but I got into the book straight away, it was absolutely compelling." It is the first time Fraser has played a real person and before filming began, she and Miller talked with the Obrees to help show their relationship during the film.

★ 'Billy Boyd' as 'Malky McGovern': Obree's manager. When approached to have a role in the film, Boyd knew only the "basic elements" of Obree's story. Boyd, being Scottish, felt it important to have the right script and further promote Scottish film.

★ 'Brian Cox' as 'Douglas Baxter': A minister who helps Obree chase his demons and concentrate on his goal. Cox, a seasoned actor, had been working in Europe before returning to Scotland to shoot the film. He commented that the story is one of "perseverance and passion". He said, since seeing the film, "[t]he end result is even better than I hoped – it's a masterpiece."

Release

''The Flying Scotsman'''s first country-wide release was in New Zealand, where the film reached number 2 in the box office and stayed in the top 8 for the first seven weeks of its release. The film kicked off the 60th Edinburgh Film Festival,^[6] and later was given a wide-release date of June 29, 2007. Metro-Goldwyn Mayer was the main distributor in the United States, and the film was released there firstly on December 29, 2006.^[7] It also received a limited release on May 4, 2007.

Reception

The film gained positive reviews worldwide following its release. Russell Baillie, reviewer at the New Zealand Herald, gave the film four stars, commenting that it is "gripping, affecting and inspiring".^[8] John Daly-Peoples also praised the film, calling it "compelling & heart-warming".^[9] Bill Zwecker, of the Chicago Sun-Times, said "[t]urmoil and victory meet in remarkable ''Scotsman''".^[10] Zwecker also called Miller's acting a "revelation".¹⁰ Tom Keogh also praised Miller's acting, calling him "enormously sympathetic and appealing" as Obree.^[11] He also gave acclaim to the "terrific supporting cast", commending Brian Cox.¹¹
Total Film gave the film a fairly negative review. The film magazine said the mesh of Obree's depression and the "Brit-flick furniture (loyal wife, rural scenery, gawky comic relief)" came off flat, "diminish[ing] rather than elevat[ing] its hero’s achievements".^[12] The Guardian also questioned the film's comedic aspect combined with the issue of Obree's condition. Obree is an "opaque and unsympathetic figure" in the film, said reviewer Peter Bradshaw, also calling the record-breaking attempts "weirdly anticlimactic and blank".^[13]
"Obree is excellently played by Jonny Lee Miller ... We recommend everybody takes the time to see this film." David Arthur, RoadCyclingUK
"Director Douglas Mackinnon makes the move from TV to feature film with some style to make this an enjoyable and well crafted film. Jonny Lee Miller delivers a powerful performance as Graeme Obree; his genuine commitment the role is evident throughout." Kevin Stanley, Eye for Film
Variety reports "Trade magazine Treffpunkt Kino called "The Flying Scotsman" "a winner," praising topliner Johnny Lee Miller for a "charismatic, terrific performance."
 
"Miller works tirelessly as the hag-ridden cyclist, but Boyd, as his manager and long-time pal, and Fraser as his upbeat wife, are just as good, and contribute much to the warmth of character that leaves a lump in the throat at the end." David Quinlan, PicturesThatTalk.com
"Mackinnon’s direction allows the characters in THE FLYING SCOTSMAN to shine; Miller convincingly portrays a complex character for whom nothing comes simply and nothing can be taken for granted. Imbued with emotional resonance and offering a loving tribute to both Scotland and the world of cycling, THE FLYING SCOTSMAN has something for everyone." Film Circuit
"FINAL VERDICT: Smart cycle film is on the right track. Fascinating" Mirror
"Rather than checking into Hostel II, enjoy the brevity of Shrek. Better still, get on your bike" Mark Kermode, The Observer
"I'm delighted to report...a small British triumph…Jonny Lee Miller in easily his most intelligent screen performance to date…A thoroughly involving story." Christopher Tookey, Daily Mail.
Daily Record - Saturday Plus At the Movies - "A triumph over adversity classic"
"Film a triumph as Obree beats world" Jim White, The Telegraph
 
Mark Kermode, BBC Radio Five Live "The nice thing about it is....it's just one of those kind of good old fashioned ....decent kind of movies about ordinary people doing something slightly extraordinary and therefore becoming better as a result of it."
"Jonny Lee Miller is on superb form as Obree." Alan Morrison, Daily Record
"The Flying Scotsman is a superbly acted, emotionally engaging and ultimately uplifting drama that tells a fascinating true story. Recommended." Matthew Turner
"A truly moving, touching tale." Teletext (ITV) - "The Flying Scotsman story is told with heart and grace" Ireland On-Line
"...it‘s a beautifully filmed triumph–over–adversity sports flick that‘s based on a remarkable true story. -  Miller gives his best performance to date....this is an impressively directed, sharply written and superbly acted film that tells a fascinating and emotionally gripping story." Matthew Turner, mymovies.net
Time Out "... the film has a pleasant feel-good factor tempered by moments of melancholy. Given the budgetary restraints, feature debutant Douglas Mackinnon’s made a fine fist of a great little underdog story." Derek Adams - Source : Time Out London Issue 1923: June 27-July July 3 2007

References

1. 'Flying Scotsman' defies gravity
2. OBREE FILM HITS CRISIS AS COUNCIL SAYS NO
3. Film spotlight: "The Flying Scotsman"
4. Obree's life story gathers momentum with Miller
5. Capone With THE FLYING SCOTSMAN's Jonny Lee Miller!!
6. Flying Scotsman to launch Edinburgh film fest
7. MGM to release Obree movie in the U.S.
8. The Flying Scotsman
9. Flying Scotsman
10. Turmoil and victory meet in remarkable 'Scotsman'
11. "The Flying Scotsman's" inspirational tale sends spirits soaring
12. The Flying Scotsman - Film Review
13. The Flying Scotsman

External links

★

★ The Flying Scotsman - unofficial site

★ The Flying Scotsman - UK site