After watching the film, I immediately listed it under my Ok, My Un-Absolute List of My Top Ten Favorite Films of All Time (which incidentally just has nine movie titles) files. I do not prefer a genre, as I looked down my list. There’s romance, and horror, and this film in it. Trainspotting is an unlikely addition to my ever-growing and absolutely un-absolute file, but it is now one of my favorites. Giving off exuberant and violent vibes, this 1996 cult film will leave its viewers breathless. This is definitely one of the best British films of all time.
This movie by Danny Boyle is not one for the faint of heart—at least, that’s what I’ve read on some website reviews—and I agree. Most of the scenes in this film were extremely graphic, but that’s just an addition to the charm of Trainspotting that was its utter bleakness served in bite-sized, black comedic monologues, anecdotes, and dialogues. While the basis novel by Irvine Welsh of the same name was actually a collection of short stories, screenwriter John Hodge created a more cohesive story for the movie adaptation. It followed heroin addict Renton (portrayed by the remarkable Ewan McGregor) and his “so-called mates” Sick Boy, Spud, Tommy (who were also all addicts) and Begbie (who was not an addict but definitely a violent, sexually ambiguous psychopath). Trainspotting tackled the era of heroin addiction in Edinsburgh in the 1980’s. And on the center of the story was the group of heroin addicts, living under Mother Superior’s roof, sharing syringes and hits.
At its heart, Trainspotting was a bleak presentation of drug addiction and its vile effects on its victims. But with witty and unforgettable monologues and lines from the characters, and Boyle’s often humorous directing, this movie became a black comedy. And it’s not even a bad thing, because Trainspotting triumphed as such. Every detail in the film was meticulously done to look chaotic and depressing, but at the same time, exuberant and energetic. Other than that, director Boyle and writer Hodge didn’t compromise the spirit of its basis novel as the film also offered various perspectives: one from the addicts’; another from the non-addicts’; and last one from the world. The addicts’ were the most enjoyable and uncomfortable to watch as it gives the viewers a second-hand, almost impeccable view of the world from these pleasure-seekers’ eyes. And making it more fun was Boyle’s playful shots and effects, most notable was that beneath the red carpet shot of McGregor which was laid with Lou Reed’s serene and sad Perfect Day. It was absolutely perfect. And what about that legendary opening sequence and monologue? Undeniably, it was Boyle’s directing that’s what I love most about this film. And I could go on and on, mentioning shots after shots, but the director’s expertise can be much appreciated when the film was actually watched.
I do believe that Ewan McGregor was at his best in this film. He brilliantly portrayed the character of Renton, from his influenced state to his more clarified phase. But also, Johnny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner and Robert Carlyle portrayed their characters with such gusto and depth—or lack thereof. The actors made their characters miserable, but at the same time, likeable. Who wouldn’t like Bremner’s portrayal of Spud?
Overall, this well-directed, well-written, and well-acted film made this such an unforgettable ride. And hey, Boyle and Hodge and the actors are back for the sequel of Trainspotting, tentatively called Trainspotting 2. So we can expect more craziness from the gang.
Overall Rating: 10/10
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