Danger: Look Both Ways!

Credited Cast:

Justine Clarke - Maryl
William McInnes - Nick
Anthony Hayes - Nick Walker
Lisa Flanagan - Anna
Andrew S. Gilbert - Phil
Daniella Farinacci - Julia
Andreas Sobik - Train Driver
(more)



Look both ways because you will never know what danger lurks around the corner waiting to get you. Director Sarah Watt’s previous works had been short animated films (Little Treasures, Living with Happiness). In her first feature film “Look Both Ways”, it tells a story of a group of seemingly ordinary people whose lives are interwoven by one accident.

The film is set during a hot weekend in Adelaide. It begins with a television news coverage of a train accident; the reoccurring theme of death and the unexpected is seen throughout the entire film. Maryl (Justine Clarke) is on a train and on her way back home from her father’s funeral. Meanwhile, Nick (William McInnes) at the doctor’s office, battles the possibility of testicular cancer; he has to wait throughout the grueling weekend for the results.

What holds the story together is the interaction between the characters and how one incident affects so many lives. The characters are connected because of a train accident that Maryl witnessed. Andy (Anthony Hayes), a reporter of the Southern Mail, was sent to cover the story with Nick. Nick, who takes photographs for the newspapers, includes pictures of the train driver (Andres Sobik) and the victim’s devastated girlfriend, Julia (Daniela Farinacci).

Even though the film’s protagonists are Nick and Maryl, the rest of the ensemble gets equal focus. We peek into Andy’s cynical world and his campaign on suicides that are covered up as accidents. He emphasizes his point of view very clearly in the conflict with Editor Phil (Andrew S. Gilbert) over the choice of the photograph for the headlines. We also see Andy dealing with commitment issues with his pregnant girlfriend, Anna (Lisa Flanagan); who is plagued with the dilemma of keeping the baby. We also sympathize with the train drive’s remorse, as well as Julia coming to terms with her loss.

The themes of death, fear and the unexpected are explored throughout the film. What strikes me most of this film is the insight we gain of the protagonists’ inner thoughts; Sarah Watt does this magnificently with her use of animation to depict the characters’ inner most fears. Maryl, an artist, pictures danger lurking at every corner in her animated world. Nick, a photographer, gets constant barrage of photographic flashbacks of information and of previous conversations with his dying father. The film also brings to light the unexpected situations that life throws at us; seen in Andy and Anna dealing with their pregnancy, Nick with the possibility of cancer, the train driver’s mishap, and Julie’s loss.

Although this film is dramatic, it contains traces of humour. As Maryl mentions, “It’s like when you buy a car and then you see them everywhere all the time.” That is what makes it entertaining to watch, because it is true – That is how life is. The characters are believable because they are flawed. We see Andy struggling to be a good father to his children from his previous marriage, and his frustration from impregnating Anna. As well as when Phil decides to quit smoking and pay more attention to his family. It is the changes that they go through help us appreciate those flaws. Kudos to the actors for bringing life to the characters.

Running for about 100 minutes, the film presents a lot of details with many points of views. Although it may be interesting perspective, it may also be tiring for some to follow. The film reveals that even on the surface of the mundane and ordinary, should we delve deeper, there are more complexities than we actually think there are. I feel that the film was very entertaining and it gives perspective to life. The changes that the characters go through as they come to terms with life, showcases what we are capable of if we are determined. In the words of Nick’s mother, “Sometimes you have to find your own way to life… and death.”

Official Website: Look Both Ways