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Drivers try to derail premiere
Danny Brierley, Evening Standard22.04.08
Film stars dodged angry Tube drivers at the premiere of a film about suicides on the Underground.
Dozens of transport workers greeted the cast of Three and Out which stars Mackenzie Crook as a Tube driver seeking someone to jump under his train so he can cash in on a fictitious compensation scheme.
Train drivers' union Aslef handed out leaflets in Leicester Square saying that rail suicides were a "horrible and traumatic" experience for drivers. One protester shouted: "Is there any comedy in dying under a train?"
Crook, who played Gareth in The Office, was confronted by an Aslef member as he signed autographs on the red carpet.
He said: "They were quite right to point out that someone falling under a train is distressing, and pointing those issues out. But it does not dwell on those issues and it is not a controversial film. It is a comedy and it is a very funny comedy. It is a road movie about friendship and human emotions."
Co-star Imelda Staunton said: "The scriptwriters consulted London Underground before they made it and they gave them the OK. I don't think you can say any fairer than that."
Drivers have criticised Transport for London for allowing scenes to be filmed on the Tube network and for allowing posters to be put up in stations, some close to the sites of suicides. Steve Grant, a district organiser for Aslef and a former Tube driver who has experienced three people jumping under his trains , said: "Some people take it as part of the job, some people can't cope mentally. Drivers suffered flashbacks, sweats, and were unable to do their jobs. We don't find the subject humorous at all."
Film producer Worldwide Bonus Entertainment said it was disappointed by Aslef 's reaction and that filming was carried out in close cooperation with LU.
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This isn't a documentary, it's not reality TV, it's a drama.
- Alan Tucker, London
It seems rather tasteless but no doubt Bob Crow will call a strike demanding royalties from the film for RMT members.
- Tom, Watford UK
