Released 25th April 2008
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This is one of those indie Brit films you’ll hear about first through word-of-mouth, purely because the plot sounds so incredible and tad controversial: A London tube driver who has had two ‘one-unders’ (fatal accidents) is trying to find a suicidal person to be the third so that he can get the ‘mystical’ huge pay off, and live happily ever in solitary bliss in the depths of the Scottish glens. At the screening, the makers and distributor were sensitive enough to include an ‘Issues raised’ claimer in the press pack that both London Underground and the Samaritans were included in the making of the film — before those of the public out there begin leaping on collective soapboxes to take issue! However, reports are already appearing in the local London press that certain transport members are less than impressed, particularly Tube unions who are failing to see the funny side of the whole film, which will only go to fuel intrigue further.
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Tragic as the situation is in this film from first-time TV feature director Jonathan Gershfield (Dead Ringers), it is both sobering and highly comical at the same time. The real issue the film raises is the lengths some go to, to change their lives, rather than some sordid, titillating take on the serious issue of suicide. If filmmakers are unable to take any life (or death) situation and make their own interpretations of it on film, then we are in a very sorry state of affairs indeed. In fact, all characters in this film deserve the second chance they get to improve their lot, and they do this in an endearing, cock-handed way that only makes you will them along to their respective conclusions that much more.
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Admittedly, this film suffers from dull ‘lull’ points with lots of ‘catch-up, old-times banter’ in the script and disgraceful Irish stereotyping (something this reviewer has more issue with), plus there is a scene with a foreign cannibal that smacks of plagiarism, nicked straight from Channel 4’s fabulous IT Crowd series. All of the above forgiven, Mackenzie Crook (Pirates of the Caribbean) is wonderful as the highly sensitive, tormented, burnt-out, frustrated novelist/tube driver Paul, as lost as many of us at times, and as desperate to escape the Big Smog and do something more worthwhile with his time. Big, brash, but ultimately a gentle giant, Tommy, played by Colm Meaney, is one suicidal man with a last-minute mission to reunite with his family and right the wrongs he has put them through. However, his time is certainly up and he’s ready to take his final bow.
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This tale has happy endings all over, which is what is to be expected — something good blossoming from something so harrowing. Check the film out because it’s certainly worth a look — including the scene with fallen Kitten and tabloid fodder fav Kerry Katona, ’star’ of reality TV show Kerry Katona: Crazy in Love playing a role that was simply written for her…
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By Lisa Keddie
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Synopsis
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Three And Out is a compelling mix of sharp dialogue, comedic capers, painfully funny, and often painful, truths about how far we would go to change our lives.
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You’re a London tube driver and you’ve had two ‘one-unders’ in as many weeks. You’re traumatized but completely blameless. Then you’re told about the ‘Three and Out’ rule; three fatal accidents within a month and you’re out of a job… but with a huge pay off! What do you do? Take trauma counselling and drive very, very carefully? Or do you seek out a third ‘one-under’, take the cash, pay off your debts and retire to a Scottish idyll to write your novel?
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Film Facts
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Official Site: http://www.threeandoutmovie.com/
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UK Release Date: 25th April 2008
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Director: Jonathan Gershfield
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Writer: Steve Lewis, Tony Owen
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Cast: Mackenzie Crook (’Paul Callow’), Colm Meaney (’Tommy Cassidy’), Gemma Arterton (’Frankie Cassidy’), Imelda Staunton (’Rosemary Cassidy’), Sir Antony Sher (’Maurice’), Gary Lewis (’Callaghan’)
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UK Distributor: Worldwide Bonus Entertainment Plc
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Certificate: 15
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Run-time: 108 mins
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Video on Real.com
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Trailer:
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Did you know…
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- The film was shot in London, Liverpool, the Lake District and Gibraltar (doubles for scenes in South Africa)
- The Tube scenes were shot at East Finchley and Charing Cross Tube stations
- Gemma Arterton is Agent Fields in the next 007 instalment Quantum of Solace
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