The film’s lack of box-office draws and old-fashioned qualities might restrict its potential in the challenging UK theatrical market but it should generate modest returns and can expect positive word of mouth. Subsidiary outlets should prove more rewarding. Obree’s global renown could help the film make some headway internationally and further festival exposure is guaranteed after a world premiere as Edinburgh’s opening night attraction.

 

Obree’s fame rests on his attainment of the world one-hour cycling record on a bike that he had constructed himself from scrap metal and a washing machine. He was also world cycling champion in 1993 and 1995. He is portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller as a modest man; a loner suspicious of all authority and stubbornly determined to do things his way.

The film begins with a dejected Obree heading into the woods, intent on taking his own life. Flashbacks deftly sketch a childhood scarred by bullying (the speed he achieved on a bike was initially a way of escaping his tormentors).

We then follow his struggle to achieve sporting eminence, assisted by his manager Malky (Boyd) and supported by the kindly Douglas Baxter (Cox), a local man of the cloth who understands Obree’s black moods and depressions only too well.

No matter how successful Obree becomes, he still cannot find the peace that might result from overcoming the sense of worthlessness that had blighted his adult years.

Told with a cinematic sweep and an admirable restraint, The Flying Scotsman has a sincerity that becomes very engaging. Mackinnon is able to rein in any possibility of excessive sentimentality or melodrama that the material might encourage and by playing it straight he creates a genuinely stirring and ultimately very moving tale. The screenplay is economical and the film has pace, although there are times when it feels slightly simplistic and reductive; a little more grit might not have gone amiss especially in the depiction of Obree’s darker moments.

The sense of restraint also extends to the performances. Brian Cox is a model of understatement, lending a gentle compassion to his character. Jonny Lee Miller is well suited to his role. He is entirely convincing on a physical level and is seen to suffer as the camera fixes its stare on his sweating features and grim determination as he endlessly circles the velodrome in pursuit of a new record. He also effectively captures Obree’s dry wit, reticence and unassuming personality in his most impressive performance for some time.

The Scottish locations captured in glowing sunshine and teeming rain by Gavin Finney’s handsome cinematography might also prove an attraction for international audiences.