Screening Report 1: UK - Trainspotting

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class we discussed the "Choose Life" theme within the film. "Choose Life" was a campaign in the UK during the 1980s and early1990s to dissuade people from drug use. The use of it in the film by the characters is largely ironic as they all revel in their drug-taking and being addicts with no intentions of changing. We also discussed Danny Boyle's filming style and cinematography. His style is fast paced and full of energy which corresponds with the lifestyle his characters lead- partying in clubs, getting high, etc. He also uses the camera in creative ways, like the scene where Renton is going through withdrawal in his bedroom. The camera stays with Renton in bed, but the room behind him is pulling back and elongating. Or when he's under the sheets and seeing his friends in bed with him- the bed is suddenly too big and the sheets cover the entire frame. These techniques used by Boyle create a sense of surrealism and are unique to his own style.

2) Find a related article and summarize the content.

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/trainspotting-1996

Roger Ebert's review of Trainspotting doesn't summarize the movie so much as point out its purpose. He says that the movie is neither pro- or anti-drug, it simply wants to show the lives and, more importantly, the comrarcaderie that grows out of addiction. Who knows the wants and needs of an addict better than a fellow addict? Ebert says that Trainspotting knows this "in its bones" (Ebert, 1996). 

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.

Ebert's review is insightful and made me really think about the point of Trainspotting. He says that, like drug use itself, the movie is cyclical, with its main character never really having substantial growth or change. He also points out that one of the most appealing aspects of addiction is the camaraderie that it creates between the addicts. This type of friendship can clearly be seen in Trainspotting, as all the characters, while not being good people (to others or each other) have chemistry that's entertaining to watch. A point that Ebert makes that really stands out to me is that movie is "simply pragmatic" (Ebert, 1996). I think that's a great way to look at this film, as it doesn't have a moral or a point- it simply wants to show the world of drug addiction as it really is.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion,  formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.

Trainspotting has long since been one of my favorite movies, but after the class discussion and reading Ebert's article I feel like I've come to understand it more. It's a hard look at drug use but it captures the good and the bad and shows why some people stay addicted. The friendships that are built from this common interest, the fast paced lifestyle (as mirrored in the camera work) both are appealing and entertaining to watch. The movie also has a sense of humor that's dark but nevertheless engaging. Its comedic moments make it an enjoyable watch despite its content. But Trainspotting doesn't shy away from the incredibly dark sides of drug use and its lifestyle either. Friends screw each other over, there are dangerous people around (Begbie, for example) there's risk of infections (like when Tommy gets AIDS), and of course there's death lurking around the corner (SIck Boy's baby dies and Renton overdoses). 

Citation:

Trainspotting. Danny Boyle. Miramax, 1996. Film.

Ebert, Roger. (1996). http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/trainspotting-1996. Retrieved 3 February 2017.

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  Name: ___Melissa Faitoute___________________________________  Date: ______2/3/2017______________________