Three & Out
Review by Nan Maitland of "Three & Out" (on release 25 Apr 08), featuring a London Tube Train Driver & an individual's choice not to die slowly in a care home.
You’re a London tube driver who – to your horror – has had two “one-unders” in as many weeks. Then you’re told about the “three & out rule” – three fatal accidents within a month & you’re out of a job, but with a huge pay-off (a fictional rule by the way – not a London Underground policy!). The film tells the story of the driver who seeks a third “one under” to give him the cash to retire & write his novel. He finds his man, terminally ill, who has already tried to commit suicide - seeking release from the inevitable suffering to come. Part of the film’s magic is the “business deal” that becomes a touching friendship.
Zany black humour; hilarious & tragic; you laugh & you cry. It’s in the same league as Calendar Girls & The Full Monty & stars Imelda Staunton, who played Vera Drake in the film of that name about abortion, Colm Meaney & Mackenzie Crook – with a small, supporting part by Sir Anthony Cher.
The terminally ill man who chooses to be the third “one-under” powerfully expresses his determination not to die slowly in a care home. He could be speaking for most of us. If assisted death for the terminally ill were legalised, no-one would have to contemplate standing on the line in front of an oncoming train.
Some may say that the film is in bad taste by tackling such a sensitive & painful situation as a comedy. However, if it were not funny as well as full of pathos, it would have little general appeal. This film makes its points subtly & without preaching & there is no attempt to make the suicide event itself “funny”. We see the tall man standing on the line with the train roaring towards him & the driver, because “a bargain is a bargain” & he had promised, with despair & agony on his face speeding towards his friend. Mercifully on the point of impact a veil of blood flies up & obscures the windscreen so neither the driver or the audience see the mangled body. That brave man in his best grey suit, the roaring train, the despairing driver – this image will stay with me.
Highly recommended. Five stars.
You’re a London tube driver who – to your horror – has had two “one-unders” in as many weeks. Then you’re told about the “three & out rule” – three fatal accidents within a month & you’re out of a job, but with a huge pay-off (a fictional rule by the way – not a London Underground policy!). The film tells the story of the driver who seeks a third “one under” to give him the cash to retire & write his novel. He finds his man, terminally ill, who has already tried to commit suicide - seeking release from the inevitable suffering to come. Part of the film’s magic is the “business deal” that becomes a touching friendship.
Zany black humour; hilarious & tragic; you laugh & you cry. It’s in the same league as Calendar Girls & The Full Monty & stars Imelda Staunton, who played Vera Drake in the film of that name about abortion, Colm Meaney & Mackenzie Crook – with a small, supporting part by Sir Anthony Cher.
The terminally ill man who chooses to be the third “one-under” powerfully expresses his determination not to die slowly in a care home. He could be speaking for most of us. If assisted death for the terminally ill were legalised, no-one would have to contemplate standing on the line in front of an oncoming train.
Some may say that the film is in bad taste by tackling such a sensitive & painful situation as a comedy. However, if it were not funny as well as full of pathos, it would have little general appeal. This film makes its points subtly & without preaching & there is no attempt to make the suicide event itself “funny”. We see the tall man standing on the line with the train roaring towards him & the driver, because “a bargain is a bargain” & he had promised, with despair & agony on his face speeding towards his friend. Mercifully on the point of impact a veil of blood flies up & obscures the windscreen so neither the driver or the audience see the mangled body. That brave man in his best grey suit, the roaring train, the despairing driver – this image will stay with me.
Highly recommended. Five stars.