The Flying Scotsman

Graeme Obree, portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller, finds himself on the brink of despair as he cycles into a secluded woods, contemplating taking his own life. Yet, this moment is juxtaposed with vivid flashbacks to his tumultuous childhood, during which bullying inflicted deep psychological wounds on him. A poignant turning point arrives when Obree receives a bicycle, offering him an escape route from his tormentors.

As an adult, Obree juggles the responsibilities of being a husband and father while struggling to keep his cycle shop afloat, supplementing his income by working as a courier. His life takes an unexpected turn when he forms a friendship with Baxter, a former minister turned boatyard owner, played by Brian Cox. This friendship ignites a spark of determination in Obree; he decides he’s going to attempt to bike the hour record, a challenge that seems monumental given his limited resources and lack of sponsorship.

Undeterred, Obree ingeniously constructs a bicycle he names Old Faithful—designed for ultimate efficiency and built from discarded materials, including parts scavenged from a washing machine. With the support of his friend Malky McGovern, who takes on the role of his manager, Obree ventures to Norway to undertake his world record attempt. Initial failure does not dampen his spirit; on his second try, he shatters the record, only to face the cruel reality that his achievement is fleeting. Just a week later, his record is eclipsed by Chris Boardman, prompting cycling authorities to alter the rules in an attempt to impede Obree’s unconventional approach.

The film deeply delves into Obree’s mental health struggles, revealing how the thrill of breaking records is often overshadowed by crippling depression, exacerbated when he encounters someone from his past who tormented him. After triumphantly winning the Individual Pursuit World Championship in 1993, the cycling authorities once again change the rules, leading to a catastrophic crash due to his inability to adjust to new riding positions. This incident propels his mental state into a downward spiral, threatening him to once again consider suicide in the desolate woods from the beginning.

However, fortune smiles upon him when he escapes death, aided by his wife, Laura Fraser, and Baxter, who encourage him to seek treatment for his struggles. Ultimately, the narrative showcases Obree’s remarkable comeback as he reclaims his world title, signifying both a personal and professional resurrection.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:40