Review of Trainspotting (1996) by Adrianne H — 18 Aug 2011

The needle goes in. The floorboards open. And Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor), the acidly attractive hero of "Trainspotting," drifts into the druggy oblivion that this film depicts with such dead-on, calculating ingenuity.

For better or worse, sometimes strictly for the sake of shock value, the stylish irreverence of "Trainspotting" mimics that drug high and delivers its own potent kick. Yet, it's hard not be fascinated by this assorted collection of lowlifes, especially with a cast that burn on the screen, courtesy of an acidic script.

The masterstroke is not taking the typically easy British film-making route of going for gritty and depressing. Director Danny Boyle directs with glamour and pace, aided by an inspired soundtrack, and produces a movie that shines with unusual ambition despite its British roots.