Trainspotting

Rating:
Summary: "Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?"
Review: Because no one can really understand that urgency as well as another addict, there is a shared humor, desperation and understanding among users. There is even a relief: Lies and evasions are unnecessary among friends who share the same needs. Trainspotting knows that truth. The movie has been attacked as pro-drug by some. But it is far from that. It is fairly honest in its depiction of the junkie culture but it does not celebrate that lifestyle. Depicting the pleasures of a drug high was important to demostrate how fleeting it truly is and how long lasting - and deadly - the consequences of drug use truly are. Indeed, for all the film's stylish and imaginative "trip sequences," the downside of heroin is never underestimated or underplayed. When the junkie protagonist, Mark Renton, quits cold turkey, he is haunted by sickening visions. One of his friends dies of AIDS, while the hideous death of a baby neglected by his drug-taking parents devastates the survivors. When a fed-up judge sarcastically refers to "victimless crimes" while sentencing Renton and another shoplifting addict, he speaks from a range of experience that simply can't be denied. Renton desribes a heroin high as "the best orgasm you've ever had, multiply it by 1,000, and you're still nowhere close." This is important because it gives a framework to view the characters' actions. They're not victims. They make a conscious choice to destroy themselves.

The episodic plot moves through the underground world of Edinburgh, following the misadventures of Renton (Ewan McGregor, in a completely unglamorous, but star-making role), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Spud (Ewen Bremner), Tommy (Kevin McKidd), and Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Tommy is the one clean member of the group, until his girlfriend breaks up with him. Begbie doesn't do heroin either, but he is an alcoholic sadist with no respect for human life. He goes to bars looking for fights, and in many ways he is the most dangerous member of the group. The strength of Trainspotting is that it tells its case through character studies, not preaching. This isn't an examination of the drug culture from the outside looking in, it's one from the inside looking out. Expressively written by John Hodge and directed with an irresistible youthful energy by Danny Boyle, Trainspotting shows us why people are attracted to hard drugs, in a more graphic, vivid way than even Gus Van Sant's exemplary "Drugstore Cowboy". And far more important than Hollywood tripe like "Traffic", it demonstrates beyond any reasonable doubt why it's not worth it.

Rating:
Summary: Graphic, Scary, Shocking but Brilliant
Review: I really think this was probably the most graphic movie about drug use I've ever seen. To be truthful, it was kind of scary. Many times during the movie, I had to turn my head. The subject matter, in my opinion, is not that hard to come by. Somehow, we humans, are fascinated by the idea that someone could willingly throw his life away for something like heroin.

However, I can't help but think that the person who wrote this movie was brilliant. There are some scenes, like the toilet scene and the overdose scene, that add a perspective I've never considered before.

Somehow, I can't give it more than 3 stars, though. I mean, the subject matter (heroin) is a topic that sells books and movies. It's one of those extreme things that is a sort of commercial hook. I don't understand it myself, why am I sucked-in to a movie that shows someone's life being wasted away. as a parallel, why do I enjoy a bank-robbery movie? These types of movies show NO resemblance to the life I know - perhaps it is some sort of escape. It's a free ride into the world of heroin - without all the mess...

This movie was INTENSE! I think the BABY thing bothered me - (watch the movie - you'll see what I mean), and that's why I can't give it an excellent rating. It really does show the "good" and very bad side of drug use - which I appreciate. the balance, I mean.

I would NOT recommend this movie for anyone under 18. From the cover, you'd think it was a movie like "10 things I hate about you." Trust me, it isn't!

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as the book but what is?
Review: This is an awesome film, fun and harrowing. Derived from some of the episodes in Irvine Welsh's transcendently brilliant novel (go buy the book) of the same name, the movie launched much of its cast into stardom (though not necessarily better things). Trainspotting is perhaps the first heroin comedy, undeniably grim and disgusting (this movie certainly does not glamorize the lifestyle as some critics have charged) but laugh-out-loud humorous as well. The dialogue is sharp (though it may take a viewing or two before the Scottish dialect can be understood), the soundtrack is excellent (singlehandedly reviving Iggy Pop's career; buy the soundtrack) and the direction by Danny Boyle is outstanding with numerous shots that have been copied by other, lesser directors. It is endlessly disappointing that the group behind this film have not come close to creating another film as good as this one since (see: A Life Less Ordinary, The Beach). But it may not be much of a surprise because Trainspotting the movie sprang from an unbeatable debut novel.

Rating:
Summary: Scots Punks on Parade
Review: Another glossily realized finally trite/empty celebration of life without ideas, intelligence, foolish hobbies like learning or responsibility. The celebration is stylistic rather than substantial. TRAINSPOTTING is even-handed enough, underneath, but sensational on its surface, which is as far as the typical sophomoric hipster dude/dudette ever bothers to penetrate. Detached. Not even close to harrowing enough. Commercial trash?

Rating:
Summary: Trainspotting
Review: If you are one of those people that likes movies about a cute guy falls in love with a cute girl, or bunch of grown up actors playing roles of high school kids with 5th grade jokes...this is not a movie for you. However, if you are looking for a movie that's not out there to please the popular audience but to show a vison in an artistic way that is not polluted by the influence of Hollywood.....go with Trainspotting

Rating:
Summary: Art for Fodder.
Review: Ouch! The DEAD BABY scene was just more than I could handle. Was this in the original novel? If so, kudos to the director for such a realistic, gut-wrenching and not-to-be-forgotten adaptation to film. Nonetheless, I am deeply disappointed that such a talented group of filmmakers felt it necessary to push the envelope to such extremes. Even the Tarantinos of the world avoid in their circle of violence sensationalizing the death of anyone under the age of 2 for the sake of art. The DEAD BABY scene disturbed me for days, not just that we are given a CU of the lifeless baby, but the fact that we are left with the implication that the baby died of neglect; the viewer is given plenty of room to imagine just HOW that took place. Either way, I am discouraged in the filmmakers' interpretation and choice of material and in its eventual mainstream distribution in the US... a choice that no doubt made this subject matter accessible to so many unsuspecting American viewers, an audience as sympathetic to heroine addicts in Scotland as an Ethiopian tribe may be in the endless battle to fight hunger in America. For a story about drug addiction, we need look no farther than our own backyards for inspiration, and this may be why the film remains after all these years relatively obscure here. The only reason I caught a glimpse of this film is because an acquaintance raved about it to my roommate, who then rented the video and brought it home. The film would have put me to sleep it if had not been for the occassional unforeseen crap splat, the original camera angles, the verbal gymnastics, and the unforgettable DEAD BABY scenes. This film was no more socially redeeming or "a moral lesson" for heroine addicts than throwing a rat into a blender is edifying as art.

Rating:
Summary: There's A Lesson Here
Review: The effect of heroin addiction on a young man and his closest friends is explored in the hard-hitting drama, "Trainspotting," directed by Danny Boyle. Set in Scotland, Ewan McGregor stars as Renton, a young man to whom drugs have become a way of life; in fact, more than a "way of" life, they have "become" his life. And a more filthy, degrading lifestyle one would be hard put to imagine. Renton has arrived at a point wherein absolutely nothing means anything to him: Family, friends, job, nothing. All that matters is the next fix. And to get it, he will do whatever it takes, including robbing, stealing or even betraying his mates. It's a hard life, but to "Rents" the high-- even with the total loss of self esteem-- makes it all worth it; and he'll get it any way he can: Snorting, shooting up or using suppositories. Eventually, however, Renton's bad life gets even worse, and as he emerges on morning from has drug-induced haze, he realizes things are going to have to change. The question is, can he do it? Or will he even want to. The film is a hard look at the depths to which an addict will descend and what one will do to get that fix. To illustrate the point, there is one graphic scene (almost too hard to watch), in which Renton, losing a couple of suppositories (they had yet to melt) through a sudden act of nature, proceeds upon realizing it to turn around and fish for them in the "filthiest toilet in Scotland." The scene is almost unbearable, but what an example of what it means to be in thrall to drugs. In another scene, not quite as graphic but powerful nonetheless, Renton's parents lock him in his room and he is forced to go "cold turkey." And although, after the aforementioned scene this is a bit easier to watch, it is still unpleasant, but delivers a succinct message about the nature of drug addiction. McGregor is well cast as Renton, as he brings a clean-cut look to the part that seems so contradictory to the lifestyle embraced by the character. The perfect choice of all the characters through which to tell the story, Renton has a look and an attitude that convey a life that holds such promise; here is a lad with a future. And therein lies a message in itself: When drugs are involved, never judge a book by it's cover, for addiction is never discerning. Most importantly, McGregor's performance is believable and he has a charismatic screen presence that makes Renton someone with whom the audience will readily be able to identify, which is necessary for the film to work. Without that connection, much of the message of this film would be lost, but thanks to McGregor, as well as some bold moments courtesy of director Boyle, it is not. The supporting cast includes Ewen Bremmer (Spud), Jonny Lee Miller (Sick Boy), Kevin McKidd (Tommy), Robert Carlyle (Begbie), Kelly Macdonald (Diane) and Peter Mullan (Swanney). One of the best anti-drug films in memory, "Trainspotting" will affect even the most jaded abuser of controlled substances, for it puts the situation into perspective and gives it context, while keeping it at (still an uncomfortable) arm's length. It may be tough to watch, but there are lessons to be learned from it that are invaluable. A great companion feature to the more recent "Traffic," this is a film that will no doubt have a dramatic affect on those who see it, for the images it presents will not easily be forgotten. And if this film will save even one person from learning about drugs the hard way, then it will have made the endeavor entirely worthwhile. Be advised, this film is more educational than entertaining, and definitely an experience.

Rating:
Summary: A highly misunderstood movie...
Review: For some reason, people think this flick glorifies heroin. It really bugs me that people think everything should be spelled out, that humanity is too stupid to stop and think for a second. Do we really need every movie about drugs to be a more intelligent version of "Reefer Madness?"

You have to be incredibly inobservant to think this movie, which has overdoses, formerly healthy people becoming junkies and promptly dying of AIDS, babies dying of neglect, a psychotic destroying everyone in his path, and other unpleasant things glorifies heroin in any way, shape or form. Even leaving all those things out, these guys embarass themselves and make themselves look like jackasses often enough that you'd never want to be them. Frankly, if people want to be junkies after seeing this movie, that's just natural selection. Just because the direction is highly stylish (and Danny Boyle, the director, does a great job of being flashy without interfereing with the movie) doesn't mean the movie is a glorification.

It's very well written and acted, with Ewan McGregor leading the cast. Also of note is Robert Carlyle, virtually unrecognizable under a walrus mustache, as the frightening Begbie.

This is more of a comedy than "Requiem For A Dream", probably the best heroin tragedy in a long time. But it's still pretty harsh, and definitely worth seeing.

Rating:
Summary: Good Movie -- Bad DVD
Review: It's a fine film. We've already established this.

The US release of the DVD however, is not so good. There is 1 single feature on this version of the DVD, and it's the movie. At $.. (and even at the sale price), this is a rip. This was a first generation DVD, so even though the sound is Dolby 5.1, it's far from spectacular.

If you're going to buy this movie on DVD, get the Canadian Special Edition (Alliance). It contains trailers, deleted footage, and interviews, at approx $... US. And it is Region 1, NTSC. You can find it around on foreign or Canadian online DVD stores like ... or ....

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: A great, moving, realistic film.

And it convinced me that heroin was a bad idea.