Review of Trainspotting (1996) by Paul E — 08 Jul 2011

Trainspotting was the film that captured the youth of the 90s. Directed by Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Shallow Grave), this indie/cult film gave us: 1. Shock, 2. Drugs, drugs and yes, more drugs and 3. A certain Ewan McGregor. I enjoyed this stand out film of the 90s which showed us the terrifying lives of the Scottish youths as it spiraled out of control.

The film is primarily narrated by Renton (Ewan McGregor), a young adult taken in by drugs but determined to stop with the use of Valium, soups and a locked room. His group of 'friends' are made up of: Sick Boy (Johnny Lee Miller), Spud (Ewen Bremner), Tommy (Kevin McKidd) and Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Over the course of the movie, you see their passage through life and drugged up states.

Renton is a character who shows us the crazy side of drugs. I mean, he goes through the 'filthiest toilet in Scotland' just to get his drugs. If that isn't addiction, I don't know what is. His constant use of drugs give us an insight into his mind as he hallucinates many times in the movie. A mention goes for the scary Exorcist like baby. Renton does want to turn his life around but that doesn't always mean good though. The film shows us that drugs are like a circle, you'll always go back to it no matter what. Ewan McGregor (Star Wars Prequels, Moulin Rouge) is perfectly cast in his film debut as Renton. His fast pace and acting style make this movie a viewing pleasure. Mixed with colorful dialogue and hilarious scenes, he gives a good, all round performance.

His friends are no worse than him. Spud is an interesting character who provides us with funny scenes and basically the idiot but I do feel sympathetic towards him at the end. I love the scene where he's on speed doing a job interview. 'My pleasure is in other people's leisure.' Legendary. Begbie is the one who has never tried drugs, but ironically, he's the psychopath. He treats the others like scum especially Spud and is a dislikeable character. Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) does well to portray this Scottish psycho who likes to throw pint glasses at people.

Sick Boy gives insights into his world of James Bond, obviously having not seen one sober. The most important scene in the film involves him crying over a death. But other than that, he doesn't really get into our hearts.

Tommy is another one who against drugs. He is the stable one in the group. But this soon comes crashing down. And what does he resort to. Yes, you've guessed it. Drugs.

Danny Boyle does a fine job directing this movie. The film is a rollercoaster of emotion. There'll be scenes which are pretty funny and others which are quite harrowing and show you the true side of drugs. This in turn, in my opinion, leaves you feeling like you've taken a fix. Boyle adds in surreal hallucinations for Renton, some which are quite disturbing. Amid the bleak, brick walls of a Scottish town, Boyle does well to direct with flow and ease to keep the film from dying out. The film reminded me much of Pulp Fiction in terms of the colorful dialogue and interesting characters but also pop culture references and the use of 90s music to set the mood. Boyle also shows us the destructive side of drugs as well as the 'happy' side apparently it being 'Better then Sex'. This is primarily what I don't understand about the film. Is it glorifying drugs or is it anti-drugs?

I'd recommend this film to indie lovers as it is a whirlwind of dialogue, acting and well, drugs. It won't be for everyone's taste though, there are distressing scenes in the film which edge out the comedy a bit. Overall, it is a fantastic, thought provoking film, superbly directed by Danny Boyle and written by John Hodge. A must see!