Junkies galore. (Trainspotting (DVD))

Member Name: Boonoiy

Product:	Trainspotting (DVD)
Date:	31/10/01 (110 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Realistic, Funny (at times)

Disadvantages: Definetely needs to be kept out of kids' way, Can be sickening in its realism and effects

The film of Trainspotting is based on the novel by Irvine Welsh, set in the dodgier parts of Edinburgh with an all star (mostly made stars by this film) cast.

The plot:
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Based principally around Mark Renton, a junkie who lives his life looking for the next hit or out of it on Heroine. The film focuses on the exploits of Renton and his druged-up mates such as Sick Boy, Spud, Tommy and Begbie, not all druggies but an interesting mix of the types you'd not like to meet in the dark side-streets of Scotland's capital.

It shows the highs and lows of a heroine addict, the elation when a hit comes (take your best orgasm, mulitply it by 1000 and you're still not even close) looks genuine enough (not ever seen the real thing so an educated guess on that front) and the feelings of sickness from withdrawal seem to be incredibly unpleasant and realistic.

From the opening shot you get the story that the characters are not your average law-abiding citizens, the first scene is Mark and Spud running down the street with te law and security guards on their heels. They get caught and you see (about 40 mins later) them getting sentanced for their crimes.

There are a lot of very funny moments - Spud's job interview really stands out: Goes for a job, very nervous so takes a lot of speed, gets mega-enthusiastic and ends up looking like a pillock with a runaway mouth. BUT there are a lot of deeply disturbing moments too, to see a person injecting their genitals (shown from behind but you get the message) with a drug they cannot give up, or screaming over the child they've let die when they were high, is really upsetting.

(SPOILER BIT NOW)

The end of the film is great, a big drugs deal is set up and the 4 blokes (Begbie, Sick Boy, Renton and Spud) get the cash, Renton steals it while the other 3 are asleep and get's away - film ends with him heading for a boat out of the country an
d Begbie going MENTAL. Begbie is the nutter of the film.

There's mention of HIV and AIDS, sex scenes (not too graphic but enough) and portrayal of drug use. It's an adult film and should be watched with an open mind.

Characters:
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Renton - Main character, gets into drugs at a young age, clever but underachieving junkie who hates his life and gets into drugs as a release.

Begbie - Nutter, plain and simple.

Sick Boy - Ladies man, always drugged up but has a life as well.

Spud - The typical loser, small framed and weak, very much into a philosophy of "Follow where lead".

Tommy - A great football player and anti-drugs amte of the boys, gets sucked into the heroine thing when his girl leaves him and he gets a bit of Renton. Ends up with HIV and dies during the film.

Dianne - 14 year old who Renton sleeps with thinking she's older than she is, gets in with Renton as a means of getting hash. Slut.

Overall:
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The film is great in that it does not attempt to shove a "do not take drugs" message down your throat, it shows the effects of drugs and shows people who have been affected by drug use and got addicted through knowing a bit about the drugs and making an informed decision to go on to them. The ups and downs are very well done, you get a real feeling that you're watching the dregs of society on your screen and the lighting and make up are brilliant at getting the mood right, sickness is portrayed well and elation is shown well. Overall the film is well acted, well produced and a great watch.

Highly reccomended.

Summary: