Based on a popular novel by Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) follows Mark Renton, a drug addict, who is seeking to change his ways in the hopes of starting a new life away from substance abuse. It explores the horror and tragedy that is lead by a life of drug abuse, while being supercharged with black humour and brutal recklessness. Despite its more mature themes, it gathered $42 million worldwide at the box office. Danny Boyle, also famously known for 28 days later (2002) and Slumdog Millionaire (2008), 'wanted to make a pleasurable film out of an unwatchable subject matter' as he stated in an interview in 2013. Boyle used his genius to create such a dark and mature story while fusing elements of black humour that make it a 'pleasurable watch'.
Embedded in and throughout the film is a clear message; choose life. This is a motif that has lingering in my thoughts after initially watching it. It is a very hard job for a film to leave you pondering about the underlying messages and morals it withholds. Usually, films leave you wondering or thinking for perhaps minutes maybe hours; it almost never lingers. However, this is an example of one that does. The phrase 'choose life' is actually repeated multiple times in the film by our protagonist, Mark Renton. However, we only hear these words when he narrates to the audience. What makes this so important is the feeling of being directly addressed to; as an audience we are given advice from a reforming drug addict. This is exactly what Boyle intended; the words 'choose life' can be interpreted differently by many people. The phrase itself sounds easier said than done in a sense, however it is that personal connection the it that makes the difference. Boyle wants us to realise that life always outweighs no life. The struggles explored in Trainspotting consists of: fighting against the urge to turn to drugs, nihilistic thoughts and coming clean once and for all. The themes that are tackled are far from the ones that, for example, a mainstream blockbuster would. This allows the film to feel like a different experience to each viewer; each individual is able to relate to it, or not, in their own way. One theme stands out to me personally, are nihilistic thoughts and how they are portrayed by Mark Renton. In the roots of this film, there are traces of existential nihilism. We see this through Renton, who views life as meaningless and full of useless responsibilities. We 'choose a job. choose a career. choose a family', but why? Especially when you can indulge in every form of pleasure imaginable, why do we choose responsibilities? These are the questions that linger over Renton's mind.
However, with exploring controversial topics like these some people found it to be quite vulgar, that it was made in poor taste. I would totally disagree with this, I would even argue that it is completely misunderstood in that aspect. Boyle uses strong violence and shocking scenes to really depict the true horrors of substance abuse and the tragic events it can lead to. An example of this is when Allison starts screaming and crying in the background, pacing in a distressed fashion. As it intensifies, everyone gradually arouses from their drug induced states. Renton follows Allison into the baby's room only to reveal that the baby has passed away. Renton feels it is his position to say something sympathetic, but just cannot say anything. Instead, he resorts to taking another hit of heroin almost immediately. This heartbreaking scene is quite the opposite of glorifying drugs and the effects drugs can have on an individual. It feels very real, it is gritty, disturbing and highlights the true consequences drugs can have on the mind. One reason why I think this scene fits so perfectly is because of the shear devastation the audience feels as the camera slowly pans around the cradle. That shock is intensified as we view our supposed protagonist almost desensitised to the horrors before his eyes. One of the many things that are so special about this film is that it raises questions in terms of ambiguity, whether Renton really is the protagonist and can we really blame him for how he acts because of his addiction and conflicted mind?
It is extremely well written and experimental in the aspects of its cinematography; hints of surrealism scattered throughout. Trainspotting is unforgettable and is truly more socially relevant than ever.
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