Trainspotting

Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle, famed director of 28 Days Later..., Slumdog Millionaire, and 127 Hours, is a film about a group of young Scots who struggle with getting a job, dealing with drug abuse, and getting an overall better life. Yes, I know the film is very similar to Requiem for a Dream which I already reviewed but I have seen both of these films recently so it only made sense to review both of them. Similar to Aronofsky's film about similar subject matter, Trainspotting also features many sympathetic characters in realistic situations, however, unlike the former film, Trainspotting deals with people actually coming off of drugs and ends up having a more optimistic atmosphere about it towards the end of the film. Also unlike Aronofsky's film, for some reason these characters feel somehow more relatable in that their situations are not nearly as outlandish at times. Boyle's film uses narration throughout to illustrate a story, and this narration, which is nowadays considered archaic, actually adds a significant amount of depth to Ewan McGregor's character and the plot. Also like Requiem, Trainspotting also has multiple surrealistic scenes, one example being where McGregor's character has to fish through a toilet for suppository pills and "dives in" and he is shown swimming in a large body of water towards the floor to find the pills but then returns back to the bathroom upon exiting the toilet. While Requiem is a great film, Boyle's film feels much more composed and more dignified than Aronofsky's film. Trainspotting still has a few scenes that can easily make the audience feel uneasy or even disgusted at times, but I feel that this movie is much easier to take and the more positive ending make for an easier time watching this film.

Bottom Line: Rent It (not a bad film but doesn't feel like it wouldn't be enjoyable multiple times)

Score: 8/10

Year: 1996
Director: Danny Boyle (127 Hours, 28 Days Later..., Slumdog Millionaire)
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd
Rating: R