Without giving too much away, i would like to add that Trainspotting does not have that crazy narrative loop in pulp fiction, but it is one of those film where narrative is secondary to charactes/dialogue + style. I would not say that this film is visually attractive, but that is director Danny Boyle's purpose here- his film making, especially choice of camera angles and shots fits the mood and context here perfectly. You really have to see it to understand.
Now regarding the movie itself. On paper, the plot summary sounds nothing extraordinary: Train Spotting follows Renton (Ewen Mcgregor) a Scottish druggie enveloped in the drug culture of his hometown as he tries to 'break the habit.' But like I said before, it's not the plot that counts. When you go and watch the movie, which i hope you would, just enjoy it for the characters and film making. i'm not saying the story is crap, but just that it's not the most important thing here.
Many of you may know Ewen Mcgregor from playing obi wan kenobi or the dude in moulin rouge but this is the definitive ewen mcgregor that you have to see. What I will say is that his performance as Renton in this movie makes the other two roles i just mentioned look like child's play (well to be honest the acting in the Star wars prequel trilogy have not been that great just think of Hayden Christensen....enough said). Mcgregor plays the anti hero Renton perfectly and I say this because we are meant to feel disgusted by his actions (he says himself that he is not a good person) yet, at the same time we can not help but feel for him. The supporting cast is also great and before you know it, you feel as if you really know the rest of the druggies (Spud, Sick Boy etc) and become their "mates."
Credit must also go to Danny Boyle (Slum Dog Millionare, 28 days later, 127 hours ). This was, i suppose, THE break for Boyle (same goes to Mcgregor i guess). I must say he was very brave for making a movie like this, because it easily could have been a miss, but instead he has worked his directorial magic and has created a piece of art in the league of pulp fiction.
It's also worth mentioning that the movie is based on a book and i guess it would help to read the book for a more complete understanding and appreciation- there were references and things i did not get until i read up on it.
Oh yeah, and expect the offbeat and unexpected stuff. The movie is different (it;s not a complete drama nor complete comedy, hard to define really), but i feel that it's a refreshing type of different.
