Trainspotting (1996)

Directed by: Danny Boyle | 94 minutes | drama, comedy, crime | Actors: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Peter Mullan, James Cosmo, Eileen Nicholas, Susan Vidler, Pauline Lynch, Shirley Henderson

‘Trainspotting’ is a film about drug and other addictions. Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) is a junkie and considers himself very happy with this lifestyle. While McGregor recounts the benefits of drug use in a sort of pro-drug campaign, we see reality on the screen. This contradiction continues throughout the rest of the film, and director Danny Boyle remains cautious about taking a stance on the subject. The viewer gets the chance to form their own opinion, something that is unique since most films are laced with a wise life lesson.

Danny Boyle (‘A Life Less Ordinary’ (1997), ’28 Days Later’ (2002)) knows how to turn every shot into a beautiful image. The tone of a scene is enhanced by the use of color and the way of filming. In the pieces where a syringe is put in the arm, it even deviates from any form of reality to enhance the emotion. Ewan McGregor completely dives into a filthy toilet to retrieve his suppositories and in case of an overdose he sinks meters deep into the ground. This, and the hypnotic effect of the soundtrack, make the film one long trip.

In addition to Ewan McGregor, the cast includes Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle and Kelly MacDonald. Ewen Bremner plays Spud, Mark’s best friend. He does this in a wonderfully funny crazy way that his character actually sticks with you better than the main character himself. He is therefore responsible for a large part of the comic situations that the film knows. Furthermore, Robert Carlyle (‘The 51st State’ (2001), ‘The Full Monty’ (1997)) is on a roll as the violence-addicted Begbie.

‘Trainspotting’ is comical, beautifully filmed, original and addictive from the first minute. For fans, the other, very diverse but always excellent, work of Danny Boyle is also recommended.