Trainspotting

Trainspotting is a film that was made in 1996, directed by Danny Boyle. The film is set in Edinburgh and, tells a story about a man named Renton (Ewan McGregor) who has been caught in a viscous cycle of drugs, alcohol and crime. His addiction has ruined his life and led him to make some very bad decisions, so he attempts to get clean. But the allure of drugs and the temptation of his friends is too hard to resist. 

I really enjoyed this film because it wasn't afraid to break taboos of film. It shows you the truth of what it is like living as a drug addict. Even when that truth is disgusting (the scene when he dives into a toilet filled with his own diarrhea looking for drugs) or truly heartbreaking (the scene where Diane's baby dies as she is too high to look after her). I found that particular scene really upsetting and very hard to watch. The film whilst showing the harsh reality of the life of a drug addict is also comical and upbeat in places. I found that even though I was frustrated by Renton because of his cycle of bad decisions, I also really rooted for him and really wanted him to succeed at getting clean.

My favorite thing about this film was the monologue at the start and the end of the film. It really shows the progression of his character. At the start he says "Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin' else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?" but at the end he says "Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on Sunday morning.". Saying this I was not actually convinced by his finishing monologue and that his character would stay clean after the film finished.