The Theory of Flight 1998

Richard, an aspiring inventor who toils away at crafting rudimentary airborne contraptions, undertakes a harebrained stunt by donning makeshift wings and launching himself from the rooftop of a London office building. The botched attempt culminates in a spectacular crash-landing, mercifully interrupted only by the timely arrival of a rescue squad. As a direct consequence of his reckless endeavors, Richard is sentenced to community service, which he serves by caring for Jane, a fiery individual afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and notorious for her inability to tolerate previous caregivers.

As time passes, an unlikely bond forms between Richard and Jane, who gradually opens up to him about her deep-seated desire to lose her virginity before succumbing to the inevitability of her condition. With a mix of reluctance and determination, Richard agrees to assist Jane in finding someone willing to fulfill her wishes, while concurrently dedicating his free time to tinkering with yet another experimental flying machine.

Eventually, the pair settles on a high-stakes gigolo, who agrees to reciprocate Jane’s affections for a handsome sum of two thousand pounds. However, they soon realize that neither possesses the necessary funds, prompting Richard to concoct a plan to pilfer a bank. Prior to embarking on his ill-fated heist, Richard books a luxurious hotel suite for Jane and pays the gigolo five hundred pounds upfront, promising the remainder later.

As Richard departs for the bank job, the gigolo attempts to calm Jane’s nerves, but she becomes increasingly anxious and ultimately decides against proceeding. Meanwhile, Richard’s second thoughts prompt him to abandon his plans at the last minute, fleeing the bank with gun in hand while shouting Jane’s name. He returns to the hotel room, where he confronts and sends packing the disgruntled gigolo.

The film concludes with a poignant scene of Richard and Jane soaring through the skies in one of his flying machines, only to see it disintegrate upon landing. The duo is then shown sharing a tender moment in bed, hinting at the blossoming of their emotional connection. Tragically, Jane’s health soon begins to deteriorate, and she passes away shortly thereafter. Richard memorializes her memory by erecting a commemorative plaque on the wreckage of his flying machine, a poignant reminder of the unlikely bond they formed during their time together.