Stars defend Tube suicide comedy
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

The Office star Mackenzie Crook has denied his new comedy about deaths on the London Underground is insensitive.

"When I read the premise I thought this might be a touchy subject," he told BBC News. "But it soon became obvious that wasn't what the film is about."

Three and Out, released in the UK on 25 April, tells of a Tube driver who looks for a suicidal person to jump under his train so he can collect compensation.

Drivers' union Aslef has criticised the film for its "insulting" storyline.

Crook, who said he was "very proud" of the British-made movie, said he was "disappointed" people had been "jumping to conclusions".

"They're imagining we've made a very distasteful, bad-taste film, which we haven't," he said while promoting Three and Out in central London.

"Hopefully those people who have objected will go and see it and realise they have got the wrong end of the stick."

'Bizarre'

Colm Meaney, who plays a homeless man Crook's character pays to perish under his wheels, said the film was more about relationships than suicide.

"It's about two guys who meet in the most bizarre circumstances, become friends and learn to care about each other."

The Irish actor, best known for his appearances in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its spin-off Deep Space Nine, said the production team had taken great pains to be responsible.

"I don't think anyone involved in the film would argue that suicide is a laughing matter," he told BBC News.

"But this film is not about suicide, and I think anyone who sees the film will see that clearly."

London Underground granted Three and Out's producers permission to use their stations, many of which are now carrying posters of the film.

'Disconcerting'

Asked if he was anticipating a backlash, Crook said he was more concerned "about seeing chewing gum on the end of my nose".

"I don't expect to be pelted with eggs or anything like that," he continued when asked if he had any concerns about using the Tube in future.

He did admit, however, it was "disconcerting" to see his face featured so prominently on the promotional material.

"When you look out the window it must be bizarre," agreed Meaney, who will soon be seen playing the Gene Hunt role in the US version of hit BBC series Life on Mars.

I am going to watch this next weekend. It sounds good.