The Theory of Flight (1998)

A dreamer who aspires to human flight is assigned public service after one of his attempts off a public building. This leads him to meeting a young woman, who is dying of motor neuron ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Greengrass

Writer:

Richard Hawkins

Stars:

Helena Bonham Carter, Kenneth Branagh, Gemma Jones

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited 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
Olivia Copner	...	Ballet dancer
Sarah Copner	...	Ballet dancer
Aneirin Hughes	...	Doctor
Jill James	...	Mrs. Allen
Ruth Jones	...	Becky
Sue Jones-Davies	...	Catharine
Frances Lima	...	Julie's Colleague
Sian Naiomi	...	Volunteer

Storyline

A dreamer who aspires to human flight is assigned public service after one of his attempts off a public building. This leads him to meeting a young woman, who is dying of motor neuron disease. The strong-willed woman admits her wish to be de-flowered before her death. The man, struggling to maintain his relationship with his girl friend, declines but offers to help pay for a gigolo to do the deed. The following events play off the inherent comedy and drama of the circumstances.

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Plot Keywords:

gigolo | flight | dying | disease | friend | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and language

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 September 1999 (UK)

Also Known As:

Envole-moi

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$15,179 (USA) (25 December 1998)

Gross:

$71,999 (USA) (29 January 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Distant Horizons, BBC Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First cinema feature of Ray Stevenson.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

References American Gigolo (1980)

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Soundtracks

"You Can't Sit Down"
Written by Dee Clarke, Cornell Muldrow, Kal Mann
Performed by Booker T. and the M.G.s

User Reviews

unequaled

Shamefully, before I saw this film, I was unfamiliar with Helena Bonham Carter.

I had to do some research, in order to assure myself she wasn't actually afflicted, as was her character, with (well?), what she was afflicted with. I was in absolute awe of this beautiful lady. She pulled it of flawlessly.

Who would have thought that sexually explicit circumstances involving the final wants, and needs, of a unique young lady, could be interpreted as tender, and romantic? Well, they can be, when the right performers present them in the proper manner, as they did in this wonderful movie. I forgot to mention how dynamically beautiful Miss Carter looked in this movie. I have often said she was the most beautiful creature to have ever graced the face of our earth, but she seemed to have out done herself in this particular movie.

I hope any of you who watch this movie enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you for letting me express my opinion.