This inspirational documentary is about Graeme Obree, a former world cycling champion and record holder, and his unconventional journey to the human powered land speed competition at Battle Mountain, with a 'prone' bicycle that has been hand-built on his kitchen table in a small flat in Saltcoats.
Obree's objective is not only to become the fastest man ever on two wheels, he wants to break 100mph. Always thinking outside the box and shooting for the stars.
With his athletic pedigree, and uncanny knack of confounding doubters and critics since the height of his racing career in the 1990s, this is a tale of hope and wonder with oh-so familiar twists, turns, setbacks and success against the odds.
Obree previously developed some of the most infamous and aerodynamic cycling positions and bicycles in the past and, as his new machine 'The Beastie' comes together over the course of the film, there is a sense of déjà vu... that he is once again creating something original and special that people will talk about for years to come.
The film really gets going with a superb succession of laugh-out-loud scenes, aptly drawing attention to the affable and quite bonkers personality of the genius, Obree.
David Street (the writer, director, and editor) has deftly put together a vast array of footage from the very early days of the project through to final race at Battle Mountain, evidencing distinctly close contact with his subject, and a compassionate and discerning eye for all the poignant points that needed to be captured by the film.
This is a beautiful, fun, feel-good-factor film, helped by a marvellous lead character and sound track. Similar to Obree, David Street has done a damn fine job of bringing his ideas to fruition (and to our screens).