Triumphing Against the Odds

The Flying Scotsman - 3.5/5

The Graeme Obree story has all the makings of a conventional, stirring sports biopic: An outsider whose success (and bike in this case) is self-made - check. Battle against the establishment (here represented by Steven Berkoff's head of the International Cycling Federation) - check. Long-suffering , supportive wife (Laura Fraser) - check. Dedicated, but slightly comic manager (Billy Boyd) - check. Story arc of triumph - failure - triumph - check. Inspiring, elderly mentor (Brian Cox) - check.

What lifts the story above the ordinary is that Obree's battle was as much against depression as against his competitors and the authorities. This could have turned the film into a heart-warming, tear-jerking hero-battles-illness movie of the week which we've seen so many times before. However, the film-makers wisely decide (apart from an ominous opening shot) not to foreground this, but rather let it emerge as we get to know Obree. In doing so they prodice not only a superior sports film, but also one of the more realistic and senstive portrayals of mental illness on film. One suspects that Obree, a man who refused to let his illness define him, would approve. His victories lie not only on the track but also in his struggle to come to terms with and seek help for his condition.

There are omissions from Obree's life - the brother whose death contributed to his struggles is completely absent, but what is here is presented well.

The other thing that lifts it is the almost universally excellent cast. Johnny Lee Miller as Obree is simply superb, returning to Scotland again (after Trainspotting and Regeneration) to give one of his best performances yet. Brian Cox gives one of his more downplayed performances as the parish priest who befriends Obree and ultimately sets him on the road to recovery. Billy Boyd starts out seeming to play the same character he did in On a Clear Day, but as the movie gets darker he adds new layers to his performace and gives the best indication yet that he has a career beyond Middle Earth, whilst Laura Fraser brings a real credibility to her relationship with Miller.

The real weakness here is Berkoff's bad guy, who lacking depth or motovation becomes something of a cardboard cut-out villain. And a few of the speeches about outsiders not being let into the system are a wee bit too heavy-handed.

That aside, this is an inspiring film, with suitably moving triumphs both on and off the track. Well worth checking out.