Trainspotting is a rough ride (Trainspotting (DVD))

Member Name: englishrose

Product:	Trainspotting (DVD)
Date:	30/07/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Dramatic and gripping. good soundtrack.nudity from ewan mcgregor.

Disadvantages: Too much poo and a bit depressing. Unlikeable characters.

Trainspotting is a film from the mid-1990's, and is both grim and fascinating.

Sadly, it was the film chosen by my now-husband for our first proper date at the cinema back in 1996. How romantic (not)!

The story, originally a book by the great author Irvine Walsh, follows a group of apparent no-hopers living in the Edinburgh drug scene, and tells the tale of what happens to them all.

Most of the characters are not particularly likeable, save for maybe Ewan McGregors character, Renton.

Robert Carlisle makes an early film appearance as the truly terrifying psychopath Begbie, who none of the group really want hanging around them anymore, but no-one dares tell him.

Some of the scenes in the film are truly stomach churning and not for the faint hearted - in particular, the film seems to feature a lot of, er, poo. Each to their own, but not really my favourite thing.

The gang seem to be on the slippery slope to oblivion, and as a viewer, I found that I just didn't care.

There are some gripping scenes with the characters in a squat, and a terrible event that happens because of it. Also, there are portrayals of heroin withdrawal that are pretty haunting, and better than any anti-drug education I received at school.

The next part of the plot involves the gang getting off drugs and Renton making a new start in London. However, his 'friends' are not keen to see one of their own doing so well, and it's not going to be as easy as he thinks.


I have seen Trainspotting many times over the years, and although it repels me, I always end up watching it - so it does have that 'something' to draw you in. Ultimately though, although there are many scenes of humour as well, I found it a bit depressing, although the soundtrack was excellent!

Summary: Despite my complaints, you must see it at least once.