Review of Trainspotting (1996) by Simon H — 06 Jun 2014

Trainspotting is an odd movie. It's odd because it was too perfect and accurate for me to enjoy. Getting the least harmful aspect out the way first. The music added a lot to what was happening on screen and was fun to hear as it was full of familiar hits. The acting was top notch. Ewan McGregor really felt like an actual drug taker whilst Robert Carlyse was spot on with an out of control and unpredictable Begbie. You even get to enjoy a cameo from Dale Winton. The problem I had with the film is that it was too relistic for me personally. As well as the shot of a dead baby, the film was full of countless shots of needles puncturing skin. The one thing I can not watch in a film, and Trainspotting was full of it.

The movie does give off a good message depending on what way you look at it. I'm not saying it is a bad film as it has very few faults but I feel it would only be enjoyable by an audience who can handle very accurate drug abuse. Whilst I enjoyed the end and the non-drug taking character of Carlyse, I really couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to due to the number of moments I unfortunately felt uncomfortable.