Recent Films
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X7905200133 |
| Date | 01 January 1979 |
| Published date | 01 January 1979 |
| Subject Matter | Recent Films |
RECENT FILMS
MOTORW
AY THE SAFEW AY: Curtis Film Company
My advice to any driver about to take
his car on a motorway for thefirst time is
'Don't
go alone'. That first drive can beat
the least a harrowing experience - at the
worst, fatal. Motorways are safe roads
provided one recognises the special
hazards and learns the particular rules,
and the best way of doing so is under the
guidance of an experienced driver.
In this film the viewer gains vicarious
experience by accompanying a newly
qualified driver on his first motorway
trip and later learning the rules from his
mentor. The idea is a good one and I
know of no other film which attempts to
impart
this
basic
instruction.
Unfortunately, the idea dosen't quite
come off. Poor speech synchronisation
leads to some confusion as to who is
saying what, thus distracting attention.
Further, the traffic moves at normal
100
motorway speeds which is much too
quick for the novice to see and
comprehend each point of learning
before being confronted with the next. It
would be far better to stop movement
whilst the explanation of a traffic
situation, etc. is made. I would also
prefer a more authoritative 'instructor',a
lesson from thefriendnext door, as weall
know, can be worse thanno lessonat all!
There are also some basic technical
faults, such as a sudden blank screen on
several occasions, and a very strangely
coloured piece of film in the middle.
The whole film falls rather flat, which
really is a pity. The idea is well worth
pursuing and I would like to see such a
film being made available to all who are
newly embarked on their driving career.
V.H.S.
Januarv
/979
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