Look Both Ways

1. Look Both Ways In Look Both Ways we are confronted with notions of fate and freewill. Explore in relation to how various characters view events in their lives.

2. How does fate apply to each character? • What do they interpret as fate? • Agree with the order of things or fight? • Unexpected events, deaths and accidents. • How do the characters of Look Both Ways respond to key events? • Do they believe in fate?

3. Nick • Diagnosed with testicular cancer. • He doesn’t accept his death at this stage. • Connects with Meryl. • Battles against the unknown in the form of the freight train, allowing him to save Andy. • Is his meeting of Meryl by chance? Or fate?

4. Meryl • Meryl’s father has just died, she sees death everywhere. • Meryl embraces and rejects fate in different ways. • She rationales fate to comfort her in times of need. • But realises this condemns people (like Rob) to the inability to change their lives. • Meryl’s frame of mind improves as she connects with Nick.

5. Andy • Has relationship problems, blames fate. • Does not believe in fate or religion. • Pointlessly pursues the male suicide article. • He is an aggressive man. • Andy’s views are changed when he is confronted by Anna. • Andy’s whole character is changed by Anna at this moment and he possibly attempts to commit suicide. • Nick, fortunately was in the same place, we gather Nick’s approach could have stopped possible suicide on the tracks.

6. Unexpected events, Symbols and Mise En Scene • Arnow Hill Train Disaster. • People brought together by a disaster, allows for communication, is it fate? • Was Rob destined to die? • Recurring trains symbolise journey. • Photo montage at end of movie.

7. Fate can be interpreted differently, as shown by the characters of Look Both Ways. • A highly complex story. • There are those who accept fate and those who deny it. • The notions of fate and freewill play a large roll in the development of main characters. By Chris Harris The End, Thankyou