�The Flying Scotsman� is the true story of innovative Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree (played here by Trainspotting�s Jonny Lee Miller), who overcame physical battles and mental demons in his life to become a true champion.
In this biopic Obree is portrayed as a man both saved and partly destroyed by his beloved cycling. On his bike he outruns the school bullies, and cycling becomes his escape from dealing with the harsh realities of life. This burgeoning obsession quickly floods over into all aspects of his existence from his family to his work. On his journey to world champion he is supported every step of the way by his loving wife Anne (played sincerely by Laura Fraser), his manager Malky (Lord Of The Rings� Billy Boyd) and Douglas (Brian Cox), a local church minister who becomes a strong paternal influence in his life.
The film itself is a gentle, episodic, rose-tinted version of a life that was no doubt far more tough and fraught than it is portrayed. This artistic licence would be more acceptable had the tone of the film not become so muddled as it went on. The light hearted, Sunday-afternoon feel of the movie is occasionally interrupted by dramatic, heavy-handed depictions of Obree�s depression, which needed to be subtly introduced and built up rather than thrust in the audiences� faces before being whisked away just as quickly. Miller doesn�t help this grating change of gears; his portrayal of Obree lacks depth, fading in the shadow of supporting actor Cox�s natural talent.
That�s not to say Miller is all bad, he throws himself whole-heartedly into the cycling scenes and his Scottish accent is convincing, but this is not enough to gain his character audience empathy. It�s hard to feel for his overwhelming triumphs in Norway as the multiple races seem to blur together, and the cartoonish nature of Steven Berkoff�s villainous official pokes fun at Obree�s detractors in such a way that any possible threat is reduced.
Obree�s story is an inspiring one; his innovative nature and the inherent stubbornness that encouraged his fight against the ever-changing rules of the WCF could have motivated an inspiring story about overcoming illness and becoming Rocky on two wheels. Unfortunately, in trying to make Obree�s tale accessible to all, Douglas Mackinnon has denied the narrative its emotional punches and the subtle elements of reality that would have made this a real British gem.
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