The Theory of Flight (1998)
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50% of critics liked it
(20 reviews) -
59% of users liked it
(702 ratings)
Continuing cinema's fascination with bringing the stories of handicaps and the mentally challenged to the big screen (Rain Man, My Left Foot, Shine, etc.), here comes a low-budget film about the unlikely love story of people brought together by fate, as well as 120 hours of community service. As… More Continuing cinema's fascination with bringing the stories of handicaps and the mentally challenged to the big screen (Rain Man, My Left Foot, Shine, etc.), here comes a low-budget film about the unlikely love story of people brought together by fate, as well as 120 hours of community service. As a frustrated artist who can't build himself a flying machine, Richard (Kenneth Branagh) eventually finds himself in trouble with the law. As punishment for his eccentric behavior, he accepts community service in the company of Jane (Helena Bonham Carter), a strong-willed woman suffering from the neuromuscular disorder called ALS (otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease). As the two learn from each other, Jane turns to Richard with the biggest favor of all, helping her lose her virginity. What ensues is a romance/friendship that changes their lives forever. ~ Arthur Borman, Rovi
- Directed By
- Paul Greengrass
- Written By
- Richard Hawkins
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Dec 23, 1998 Wide
- Studio
- Fine Line Features
Critic Reviews
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James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
a charming bit of whimsy that probably would crash and burn with lesser talents at the controls
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Chris Grunden, Film Journal International
Carter's bravura performance is the reason to see The Theory of Flight, but it's a shame that nothing else in the film matches the obvious care she put into her role.
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Cast
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Helena Bonham Carter
as Jane Hatchard
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Kenneth Branagh
as Richard
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Gemma Jones
as Anne
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Holly Aird
as Julie
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Ray Stevenson
as Gigolo
