Review of Trainspotting (1996) by Matthew D — 02 Oct 2017

A Scottish cult classic through and through!

Trainspotting is a cult classic worthy of the title! Welcome to the seediest underbelly of the 1990's Scottish youth. You really get a feel for the wild and sometimes inane mundane moments that plagued the daily lives of the Scots. Danny Boyle goes to great lengths to make you believe that you are living the day to day life with this ragtag group of friends.

Infamously, Trainspotting may also serve as a drug PSA like you have never seen other than perhaps Trainspotting's extreme American counterpart Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream. The drug trips are terrifying in disjointed nightmare fuel sequences shot with such a clever cinematography and vision that you will never forget these scenes. It may scar you for life or scare you away from drugs forever. Either way, you will be completely engrossed during the substance abuse scenes.

However, Trainspotting is not by any means preachy or forced, nor is it dreadfully dour or bitterly melancholic. Trainspotting is a wildly fun and very often hilarious ride with the boys. You will get to know each of these extremely entertaining characters like they are pals of your own. Ewan McGregor leads this wonderful ensemble cast as Renton. He's earnest, messed up, lonely, and yet hopeful. Robert Carlyle is an absolute menance to society with his thick Scottish accent and tough guy legendary performance as Begbie. Ewen Bremner's character Spud is a lovable dope that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Sick Boy, played by Jonny Lee Miller, is more manipulative while also a strange buddy of Renton's. Tommy is so earnest and ends up being a much more complex figure through the excellent portrayal from Kevin McKidd. Lastly, Trainspotting introduced the world to the charming and spunky tour de force that is Kelly Macdonald. The cast is simply unforgettable! I found myself really relating and rooting for these strange fellows.

Notably, the movie has a very famous soundtrack that put punk icon Iggy Pop back on the map for the general public with Raw Power and "Lust for Life." Other punk, alternative, techno, and electronic tunes scatter your senses throughout the film. Danny Boyle picked some good ones. You'll want to check out the soundtrack after you see Trainspotting.

So have some laughs with the occasional nightmare and watch Trainspotting. It's a really memorable blast! Personally, I'm going to check out the sequel to see if it compares to Trainspotting.