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Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story

Country: UK, Language: English, 99 mins

  • Director: David Street
  • Producer: Murray Buchanan; Leslie Finlay

CGiii Comment

The loneliness of a maverick cyclist...a world champion, rejected by the mainstream.

For those that have seen The Flying Scotsman, Graeme's story will be familiar - albeit totally sanitised.

For those that have not...meet Graeme Obree & The Beastie...!

Other-worldly, both man and machine...they embark on an attempt to break the human-powered vehicle land speed record. Surreal, both man and machine...trundling down a desert highway...revealing all their fragilities and flaws.

This is wearing your heart on a frayed cuff sort-of-stuff...Obree's story is not just remarkable but involving. His boyish charm is as infectious as his dedication/obsession. Not doubt about it - he's a nutcase...but, everyone with this kind of passion is...

The film tells Obree's story from a perfect perspective...his. A no-nonsense narrative. Candid and revelatory - his comments about doping in sport are eye-opening, jaw-dropping...the men-in-blazers behind the sport ought to hang their heads in shame or, preferably, be brought before a jury and held to account. A gross misjustice was placed upon Mr Obree.

His personal life is his personal life, he's gay - it's mentioned, it's not an issue (now).

This is about a middle-aged man who - as a younger man - achieved, when all the odds were against him, something truly magical - winning the world championship on a bike made from washing-machine parts - all the while battling with mental health issues, grief and confusion. Here is the man still doing what he loves - still battling with his demons...still succeeding.

This is a testament to tenacity...don't give up. Thankfully, Mr Obree didn't and, hopefully, never will.

A fine document indeed.


Trailer...

BATTLE MOUNTAIN Graeme Obree's Story 93 second trailer from David Street on Vimeo.

The(ir) Blurb...

Cycling legend Graeme Obree is a truly inspirational character. His determination to succeed against all odds has twice seen him hold the one-hour speed cycling record (in 1993 and 1994), as well as being named the World 4000m Pursuit Champion (in 1993 and 1995). David Street’s charming documentary follows “The Flying Scotsman” as he prepares for the human-powered vehicle land speed record attempt in Nevada, using a very unusual bike designed by himself and christened “The Beastie” by his friend Sir Chris Hoy.

Cast & Characters

Chris Hoy;
Charlie Milarvie;
Euan Obree;
Graeme Obree;
Jamie Obree