Trainspotting

One dive into Scotland’s filthiest bathroom and the audience is exposed to the inexplicable world of Drug addicts.

            A film reflecting the society and making the society laugh as well. Trainspotting is focused on Heroin addiction, causes and effects of being addicted to drugs, violence and sex. All in all, it’s a film that probably most people would not want to watch because of its ‘dark’ theme. It’s the kind of film that parents would prohibit their children to see. It may also trigger a debate whether it is anti or pro drugs.

            However, the way I see it, Trainspotting is a film that flaunts the real happenings in our society. It exposes the life of a person under the influence of drugs.

            Also, it is a combination of humorous wit, style, and reality. Yes, it has a dark theme but the way it is presented, it is not dark at all. In fact, it is very engaging because the story plot is presented lightly. The script sounded as intelligent jokes. Another is, I like the way that it is executed honestly. And by that I mean, Trainspotting neither a pro nor anti drug, but a reflection of the real deal between the consequences you get from taking drugs and the pleasures it gives you after.

            I think that a good film makes its audience feel the feel of the characters and I felt that in Trainspotting. Not only in its story, script, or Danny Boyle’s directing styles, but also in its camera angles, as well. The way the camera follows Renton’s hands while injecting the heroin in his veins makes me feel the same excitement, and a little fearful for its consequences. The scene where they were running through their town and the camera tracks them down makes me feel the same adrenaline rush and the non-diegetic sounds contributed a lot in making my heart pound as hard and as fast as Renton’s. 

           And I would not forget my most favorite scene, when he was walking toward the camera with a smile on his face during the end of the film, I felt happiness for him. I felt his willingness to change. I felt his success in overcoming drugs and it was as if I was part of that success, too. And I felt his feeling, too – I felt it is right to choose life.

            During the first parts of studying this course, it was established that a film takes you to an adventure same as the characters’, and I conclude that Trainspotting achieved that. Because in every scene and in every change of camera positioning, I felt I was there, too.

            One dive into Scotland’s filthiest bathroom and the world is exposed to its reality. Hopefully, the world chooses life.