Trainspotting (1996)
Dir. Danny Boyle
9/10 – This was a very highly anticipated film for me as I know that it is a beloved cult film, and I enjoyed it a lot. I really like how it dealt with really difficult topics such as heavy drug use, sexuality and social matters. The acting was amazing which really kept me invested throughout the film, along with the use of narration.
The most memorable scene in Trainspotting for me was when Mark Renton overdosed on heroin because I think that it was really well done with the way they film it. I love the shot from Renton’s point as he sinks into the floor with the Mother Superior looking down at him. It gives a really claustrophobic feel and makes it seem as if he is in a coffin. As well as this, the music being Perfect Day by Lou Reed adds some irony to the scene. To add to this irony, there are some shots of an ambulance going past where he is along with the noises of the siren, which I think really shows the fact that the Mother Superior doesn’t care about him, only his money as it shows him putting Renton into a taxi, where he is then dumped outside A&E.
Cinematography in Trainspotting:
I like the use of an over the shoulder shot in this scene. It is eye level, which I think adds to the background narration and the fact that this is extra-diegetic (breaking the 4th wall). This makes the spectator feel more connected with the character, even though he is not in a relatable situation whatsoever.
Mise-En-Scene in Trainspotting:
The mise-en-scene in this scene feels intentionally uncomfortable and almost sterile but it also reflects the time it was set in. Spud’s surroundings feel like they are supposed to contrast his chaotic personality and how he is acting while he is on speed. While it is a comedic scene, the look of his messy hair and suit makes you feel almost bad for him because his lifestyle is making him struggle to get a job.
Editing in Trainspotting:
I chose this scene as an example of editing because I like how it shows the difference between their lifestyles. Tommy wants to get out and explore because he is healthy and clean, while the others are lagging behind, not wanting to go with Renton even drinking. I think that it marks a change in Tommy because it is only a scene later that he tries heroin, which is what contributes to his death.
Sound in Trainspotting:
I really like the use of sound in this scene because they have the song Perfect Day by Lou Reed playing in the background, which adds a lot of irony to it as Renton had just overdosed. It also makes it a lot sadder, as it shows how they treat drug addicts like scum, which emphasises the irony. The only other thing that is heard in the scene are ambulance sirens, which ultimately drive past Renton entirely. I think that this is really powerful in showing the situation that he is in; that the Mother Superior does not care about him, only his money and that his drug addict friends would betray him for money and drugs.