The Theory of Flight
Synopsis
Richard is assigned public service after crashing his homemade aircraft, leading him to meet Jane, a young woman dying of motor neuron disease. After they strike up a friendship, Jane asks Richard to help fulfill her deepest wish: to lose her virginity before her death.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Theory of Flight (trailer)
Type: Trailer • Published 2020-02-03
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Helena Bonham Carter
Jane Hatchard
Kenneth Branagh
Richard
Gemma Jones
Anne
Holly Aird
Julie
Ray Stevenson
Gigolo
Ruth Jones
Becky
Sue Jones-Davies
Catherine
Gwenyth Petty
Magistrate
Robert Blythe
Farmer
Aneirin Hughes
Doctor
Natasha Williams
Care Worker
Sian Naiomi
Volunteer
Nia Roberts
Checkout Girl
Dilys Price
Mrs. Williams
Jill James
Mrs. Allen
Sidney Williams
Club Owner
Daryl Beeton
Club Organiser
Deborah Sheridan-Taylor
Shop Assistant
Release History & Theatrical Window
Toronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
January 22, 1999
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Paul Greengrass
- Screenplay & Story
- Richard Hawkins
- Original Score
- Rolfe Kent
- Original Title
- The Theory of Flight
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Production Studios
- BBC Film, Distant Horizon, Fine Line Features
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Paul Greengrass
Richard Hawkins
Rolfe Kent
Ivan Strasburg
Mark Day
Sudhir Pragjee, Anant Singh, Sanjeev Singh, Paul Janssen, Ruth Caleb
Department Leadership Roster
Paul Greengrass
Director
Rolfe Kent
Original Music Composer
Richard Hawkins
Writer
Ivan Strasburg
Director of Photography
Mark Day
Editor
Sudhir Pragjee
Producer
Anant Singh
Producer
Sanjeev Singh
Producer
Melanie Allen
Production Design
Dinah Collin
Costume Design
Paul Janssen
Producer
Ruth Caleb
Producer
Helena Spring
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Theory of Flight.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Theory of Flight.
Mid Hunting List
A list of mids found by Mid Hunters
Favorite Actresses
Movies
MNR
Missing Mine
Paul Greengrass
Similar Titles to The Theory of Flight
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
7.2
7.9
7.5
6.9
6.2
6.1
7.6
7.0
7.2
7.7
6.8
6.4
9.2
5.9
6.8
6.1
More Like The Theory of Flight
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Theory of Flight
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Theory of Flight about?
Richard is assigned public service after crashing his homemade aircraft, leading him to meet Jane, a young woman dying of motor neuron disease. After they strike up a friendship, Jane asks Richard to help fulfill her deepest wish: to lose her virginity before her death.
Who directed The Theory of Flight?
The Theory of Flight was directed by Paul Greengrass.
Who stars in The Theory of Flight?
The principal cast of The Theory of Flight includes Helena Bonham Carter, Kenneth Branagh, Gemma Jones, Holly Aird, Ray Stevenson.
When was The Theory of Flight released and how long is it?
The Theory of Flight was released in 1999 with a total runtime of 1h 41m.
Who composed the musical score for The Theory of Flight?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Theory of Flight was composed by Rolfe Kent.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Theory of Flight?
The Theory of Flight holds official age classifications: FR: TP; US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).