Trainspotting

There were several scenes that made my jaw drop in amazement at their genius (Perfect Day), unfortunately, though, I felt the film kind of fizzles out. The second half is no longer that great and the ending is actually weak. Whereas Requiem for a Dream managed to truly knock me down, Trainspotting only left me with the question “Hmm, nice, but that’s it?”. (08.12.2008)

So, let’s go over this again: Drugs are great, aren’t they... Danny Boyle is an excellent director, isn’t he... Ewan McGregor has now left the category of hopeful young actor and definitely moved into the category of “Mr Actor", hasn’t he... The Scots are cool, aren’t they... Born Slippy, isn’t it... Trainspotting is a cult movie. Is that clear? YES! ♫ OST score: 4/5 (10.08.2007)

Probably the most difficult film for me to evaluate that I have ever seen. On one hand, it features one of Ewan McGregor's best performances, breathtaking scenery, and a very interestingly depicted, albeit unfamiliar, setting for me. On the other hand, the second half is not surprising at all and unnecessarily obscures the original idea. As I write this review, I am left with mostly positive memories, so I round it up to a solid 70%. (09.05.2005)

Before Trainspotting, Danny Boyle had a few dozen television projects under his belt, as well as his feature film debut, Shallow Grave, which I consider to be quite an entertaining black comedy, but also not a significant or even exceptional film. I saw Trainspotting in the movie theater during its premiere and it was like a beginner taking a proper heroin hit. Boyle completely hooked me, I just silently stared, amazed at how someone could make such an entertaining and provocative film, without losing the depth of perspective and critical view of the drug addict community. Boyle essentially chose a style of punk ironic smirk, openly making fun of the yuppie atmosphere of Thatcher's Britain and the British middle class. Instead of a career, family, and a luxurious nest, Renton chooses a drug trip, carefree wandering, and a life on someone else's account. Boyle already showed back then why he was one of the most interesting British directors and demonstrated a wide range of shots full of interesting camera angles, alternating shot speeds, and plenty of effects borrowed from the world of music videos and commercials. The punk-based soundtrack and the immensely popular production of bands Blur and Pulp appealed to me because I used to be crazy about this music and I still enjoy watching their music videos on YouTube. Boyle directed an incorrect film full of sarcastic remarks, irony, and ridicule of the bourgeois lifestyle, but at the same time, he also shows the dark side of addiction and wandering in the circle of people who somehow can't live and have no meaningful goal. Trainspotting relies on excellent source material by the well-informed expert of the British drug scene, Irvine Welsh, and at the same time on great acting performances. It featured three names that later became well-known among film fans at the beginning of their careers. Alongside Ewan McGregor, who became a star of the first magnitude, Trainspotting also opened the doors of mainstream cinema to Robert Carlyle and the charming Kelly Macdonald. I was not the only one who was captivated by this film, as British film critics also hailed Trainspotting as the best film of the decade. In any case, this film marked the beginning of the successful New British Cinema movement, which combines the effort to show pressing social issues and entertain audiences. It is characterized by a comedic approach, unconventionality, exaggeration, and rejection of straightforward mentoring. The audience should find their own way to the problem and solutions, as they are not led by the hand. Overall impression: 95%. (22.03.2014)

Three... And if it weren't for Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle, I'd take one more star off. I put off Trainspotting for a long time and I probably knew why. I've hadn’t seen it up to now and I haven't missed anything extravagant. I can listen to the soundtrack (or rather the few tolerable songs) on its own, and the story about a bunch of junkies, whose stories and catchphrases seem funny and wacky to many of my friends (similarly to the Czech Loners), but to me they just seem stupid. Shallow Grave goes unsurpassed. (16.03.2012)

Can a film that is repulsive also be beautiful? Trainspotting tells the story of human scum in such a humorous and unusual way that we end up feeling comfortable with the characters and able to tune into their addictive wave to some extent. The distinctive visuals have the most momentum and verve in the first half hour, and by the end Boyle starts to repeat himself, but the music is so perfect, the characters so original, and the scenes so iconic and entertaining (not only in execution, but also in content) that it can be watched over and over again. And Ewan McGregor is the best junkie in history. (10.03.2012)

94 minutes of narrative in shortcuts containing all of five shots that weren't worth framing. All this in the 90s underbelly of punk Edinburgh. I incredibly love the way Boyle shits on everything in this film (dead baby, a rather edgy fuck with Kelly Macdonald, et cetera et cetera) (30.07.2012)

The film that I was previously somewhat scared of simply proves that it is about drugs. I am no longer afraid and have watched the movie, curious about what I will get. It is definitely a spectacle that is unforgettable and definitely not a film that celebrates drugs. However, everyone can take something of their own from it. An interesting story, great direction, excellent performances, or an outstanding soundtrack. (29.03.2016)

I was quite curious about the resulting comparison with Aronofsky's brilliant Requiem for a Dream. Trainspotting is actually quite funny in places; on the other hand, the comedic element is counterbalanced by some really quite harsh moments. It's probably an undeniable truth that Boyle's work is more valuable in terms of "existential depth" and has a more elaborate script, but it's equally undeniable that Aronofsky is clearly the leader in terms of visuals. Even though I consider Trainspotting Boyle's best film (the hell with Slumdog Millionaire), I can't help feeling that Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream affected me many times more... UPDATE 02 Jun 2018 – Seen again after years, for the first time in proper quality on Blu-ray, and I must gladly add that fifth star. Trainspotting is a cult movie like crazy that Danny Boyle directed the hell out of. I love how it's just so funny to the point where I had to laugh out loud (the scene at breakfast with the tug-of-war over the sheets) and at the same time manages to evoke very uncomfortable feelings (the baby in the crib). And probably the vast majority will disagree with me, but I consider Trainspotting more of a comedy. A satirical, bitter, and veeeeery harsh comedy :) (06.04.2010)