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The Flying Scotsman By John P. McCarthy Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Carefully mining the potential for an underdog sports drama to uplift and inspire, "The Flying Scotsman" (MGM) tells the true story of melancholy cyclist Graeme Obree. Obree's bouts with depression prevent this film from being just a sentimental movie with a formulaic outcome. Director Douglas Mackinnon uses his subject's troubled psyche to generate suspense; and the cyclist's friendship with a Protestant minister, the Rev. Douglas Baxter (Brian Cox), lends a subtle religious dimension. Well-limned here by Jonny Lee Miller, Obree personified the amateur spirit when, in 1993, he set out to break the world one-hour record in a Norwegian velodrome. We see how, lacking a major sponsor, he designs his own bike and brings significant innovations to the sport, despite battles with cycling's governing body over his revolutionary equipment and technique. With patient wife Anne (Laura Fraser) and loyal friend and manager Malky (Billy Boyd) in his corner, he pushes himself physically and emotionally, becoming a source of pride for his fellow Scots. We are never certain Obree will triumph over his detractors and the doubting voices inside his own head. On the one hand, the movie wisely refrains from overexplaining his condition or offering a clinical diagnosis -- partly because, in real life, he refused to consult a mental health professional. On the other, it does seem a bit facile to link his depression to a single source: being bullied as schoolchild. "The Flying Scotsman" doesn't overplay the faith card, either. Obree is openly skeptical of religion, but Rev. Baxter's measured support and timely counsel prove instrumental. Exemplifying the movie's good taste and sensitivity, lovely music and scenery don't overwhelm the central plight of this lionhearted athlete. One heads-up: the accents are so thick, you may have to listen superintently. The film contains some rough language, a suicide attempt, implied lovemaking between husband and wife, brief violence and a crass scene of urination. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. - - - McCarthy is a guest reviewer for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film & Broadcasting. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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