Look Both Ways

Look Both Ways, directed by Sarah Watt 2005.

This movie is generally regarded as a serious comedy. I would regard it is a highly serious movie with brief moments of humor. This doesn't take away anything from the film in my eyes, I would just caution that anyone preparing to watch this film expecting to laugh a lot might be in for a big surprise.

This film is about death, tragedy, and how our daily lives seemed to be filled with it. If you have ever heard anyone say they don't like to read or watch or the news because its too depressing, well this whole film dwells upon this type of subject matter. A man gets run over by a train, another descovers his body is riddled by cancer, and another finds his on again off again girlfriend is pregnant.

Things are not exactly perfect in this world, yet it is not without its own moments of positive outlooks and hope. And it does take time to approach the humorous aspects of our own fear and paranoia associated with tragedy and death.

Creatively the film is quite unique. The main character Meryl has frequent 'daydreaming' moments that are depicted by artistic animations rather than live action sequences that are frequently used. This is nicely tied in by the fact that Meryl expresses herself artistically in real life as well.

An interesting side note to this film is that the director was diagnosed with breast cancer while making this film. To me this is remarkable and a testament to her dedication to the project. I do not think that I would have the fortitude to forge ahead on a project that essentially dealt with such a significant issue that I was facing simulataneously in real life.

Finally while the film is qutie serious, it is also not all doom and gloom, which often films succomb to in an effort to add dramatic weight to the piece. Overall a well done and enjoyable film.
***Three stars