The Theory of Flight (1998)

Director:

Paul Greengrass

Writer:

Richard Hawkins (writer)

Release Date:

22 January 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Plot:

A dreamer who aspires to human flight is assigned public service after one of his attempts off a public building...

Plot Keywords:

Flight | Dying | Gigolo | Disease | Friend

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Helena Bonham Carter	...	Jane Hatchard
Kenneth Branagh	...	Richard
Gemma Jones	...	Anne
Holly Aird	...	Julie
Ray Stevenson	...	Gigolo
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Daryl Beeton	...	Club Organiser
Robert Blythe	...	Farmer
Richard Hibbert	...	Kite boy
Aneirin Hughes	...	Doctor
Jill James	...	Mrs. Allen
Sue Jones-Davies	...	Catharine
Ruth Jones	...	Becky
Frances Lima	...	Julie's Colleague
Sian Naiomi	...	Volunteer
Gwenyth Petty	...	Magistrate
Dilys Price	...	Mrs. Williams
Nia Roberts	...	Checkout Girl
Deborah Sheridan-Taylor	...	Shop Assistant
Natasha Williams	...	Care Worker
Sidney Williams	...	Club Owner

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality and language.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | France:U | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIB | Singapore:PG | UK:15 | USA:R | Philippines:PG-13

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Quotes:

Jane: Money is a means to an end. Sex is that end.

Movie Connections:

References Pretty Woman (1990)

Soundtrack:

You Can't Sit Down

Worth seeing for Bonham Carter's performance.

Although this movie has some weaknesses, it is worth seeing. I chose it because of the cast, and applaud Bonham Carter and Branagh for choosing roles different from those they have taken in the past. Both portray very troubled people, complete with warts, but make them likeable because of their humanity. The story is touching, but it is the performances that soar. Bonham Carter's "Jane" is a remarkable achievement, whose quest for romance opened my eyes to aspects of being disabled that I had not thought of before, but was interesting as well for other reasons. I felt the movie ended too abruptly, but better that than a drawn out emotionally manipulative ending (see "Stepmom.") The very real English setting added to my enjoyment - it was England in the 90's, both urban and rural, without being depressing.