Charm, culture and subtlety: but who needs that when you've got heroin?

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2012)

After more than 100 film reviews, I've decided that 9's or above are for films that knock me out in one way or another and completely immerse me in their world. Typically, it's incredible actors in their characters, or an atmosphere that bleeds out of the screen, epic scenes or wonderful music.
Trainspotting defies this rule: it just raises its hand in class, says "Here" in a thick Scottish accent, then begins. Trainspotting is superb and subtle, impossibly charming and quirky, with just the necessary amount of serious to remind you that drugs are no joke. Danny Boyle's direction is genius; he knows exactly what to show, for how long, and keeps the film concise.
Interestingly, Trainspotting, a film about heroin addiction, doesn't spend an hour and a half shaking its accusative fist at heroin, saying "Bad! Bad!" Unlike Requiem for a Dream, which is 100% damning of the drug, Trainspotting is more about the heroin users than the drug itself. And as Renton, the charismatic, slacker protagonist says early, they wouldn't do heroin if it was all bad. Because it's a recreational drug, it makes you feel good, and then you get addicted. To the lifestyle. To the people. Your "friends".
Trainspotting establishes a very unique identity by fully embracing its Scottish 'pride', not that Renton would agree. There are Beatles references, Sick Boy can't go a scene without talking about Sean Connery, and the club scene is copy-pasted with love from A Clockwork Orange. Hearing Begbie speak, or the now- nostalgia inducing soundtrack with Iggy Pop and Underworld forces a smile on your face. Even though the film's about heroin and has some sick, sick images.
Everything about the film is honest. Renton is honest. Mostly. All the characters have issues, and we love them. Even Spud. The acting is just what it needs to be, not serious philosophical looks at the human condition but some 20-somethings who make weak attempts to quit Junk. If anything I wish we saw more of the supporting cast: though the film's pace is incredibly fast, it would've been nice to see a little more of Tommy and Dianne, who get much less time on screen than I remembered from my first viewing. To add credibility to this: True Romance features the most magnetic character Gary Oldman has ever played, a trash pimp. Even though he has no purpose but to ****spoilers* die *end**** his one scene is extended and it's the best scene in the film.
An issue with drug films is that no matter how well they are made, the message is always the same, and it's a no-brainer. Drugs are bad. So I tried to find something else watching Trainspotting, and I came up with this: the film is a metaphor, saying "quit screwing around with excuses and do something with yourself", using the most powerful addictive substance as the vessel to convey this. If there's something you want to change about yourself, you won't escape it by staying in the same environment. Peer pressure ensures this. Perhaps those "friends" aren't really your friends after all.
I remember being 13 seeing this for the first time. I enjoyed its plot, though I couldn't understand any of the dialogue or any of the subtle symbols or literary devices. Ironically now, the one I saw it with didn't get the message, and now, years later, he's "trainspotting". Trainspotting is an amazing film that holds you dear. 9.4/10