Trainspotting
July 9th, 2005
Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a starter home. Choose dental insurance, leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose your future. But why would anyone want to do a thing like that?
Trainspotting
There are a few ironies in this film I have been thinking about; one obvious and one not so. One is that we so readily condemn those suffering from drug addiction, but also just so readily accept other addictions, though maybe not as harmful, but addictions all the same. The state of mind between one of those Scottish heroin addicts and you needing that caffeine fix in the morning may not be so different. Moreover, note that I do say suffering from heroin addiction, by no means should such a destructive thing be trivialised, but I suppose it’s something to think about when pouring that cup of coffee.
The other irony is that of choices; are the addicts really chosing to “not live” by injecting themselves? It seems to me that they really have no choice when holding the needle. Incidently, this is one of the frustrating parts of watching Trainspotting:
No, don’t do it!
Ewan McGregor plays the deluded (well all the characters are a bit deluded) many-times unsuccessful recovering drug addict “Renton”. During the film, he actually proves quite likeable, makeing some very clever realistic decisions.
The film was quite funny in a depressing kind of way. There’s a scene that’s like a Travis video with dialogue and no tune, you’ll have to watch it in context to get the dark humour.
The film was an interesting experience, given the subject; surprisingly some parts where even enjoyable–almost tongue in cheek, like when Renton went to work in London. It’s definitely a film that leaves a smile on your face. The relevance to Trainspotting was probably Renton’s wallpaper, but I reckon there’s a clear underlying message: that all trainspotters are heavy drug addicts. Think about it: they wear big coats (to hide the drugs in), they have to time their visits to coincide with trains (easy to co-ordinate the “drop off points”), and they all look a bit whacked–don’t they? Heh, don’t worry I don’t want offensive comments I’m just kidding!
July 10th, 2005 at 8:21 pm
Come to think of it, I had my hair cut, and I suppose it looks a little like Renton’s do.
Well, I find it quickly grows back.
July 11th, 2005 at 9:56 am
I think the majority drug addicts do choose. They chose in the first place, to try the drug and take responsibility to whatever aftermath may be thrown in their face i.e. in this case, the suffering that comes. I’ve never been a fan of such intense DVDs. They make me uneasy.
July 11th, 2005 at 12:37 pm
They choose to start taking them, but once addiction takes hold any “choice” they have is deceiving.
I really wouldn’t like to say whether I could stop taking drugs if I were as addicted to them as the characters in Trainspotting.
The obvious conclusion is to never try them in the first place.
I’m a fan of such intensive films, I’ve seen too many recycled Hollywood plots, so always look out for something new–something mostly original.
July 13th, 2005 at 12:46 pm
Start taking heroin, and see if your synopsis is correct
July 13th, 2005 at 6:37 pm
I don’t like needles.