All the clock symbolism in Goncharov was so well done. If you read into the narrative and assume that Goncharov is pining after Andrey, all of the shots of Goncharov glancing down at his pocket watch makes so much more sense.
Andrey is doomed to die from the beginning of the film, we all know that. He chose this life. But it we pay attention, Andrey himself never actually looks at a clock. Sure, during the bridge scene, we can see a giant clock tower looming over him in the background, but that’s for us to see, not Andrey. It’s to remind us that he’s running out of time. Andrey already knows that. He’s aware that, if he doesn’t make the right choices regarding his deal with Ice Pick Joe, he’ll be a dead man.
But why does Goncharov keep looking at his watch? He’s not a part of the deal with Ice Pick Joe. His fate isn’t decided. But, like I said, Goncharov is obviously in love with Andrey, and he knows that Andrey’s time is running out. And you might be thinking, “Aren’t Goncharov and Andrey enemies?” Well, yes. But that’s because they’re supposed to be, it’s what’s expected of them. Andrey joined Slippery Steve in the train heist, and Goncharov was chosen to stop them. They were forced into the roles of enemies.
But when Andrey is almost knocked off the top of the train, Goncharov saves him, clinging onto his hands and refusing to let go. This is obviously showcasing Goncharov’s love for Andrey, and how he won’t let his feelings go. His feelings are why he keeps anxiously glancing at clocks, fearful of the approaching day of Andrey’s death. It’s eating him alive. Time is his worst enemy.
