Tough Film To Watch

Rating: 8/10 (12 March 2001)

The effect of heroin addiction on a young man and his closest friends is explored in the hard-hitting drama, `Trainspotting,' directed by Danny Boyle. Set in Scotland, Ewan McGregor stars as Renton, a young man to whom drugs have become a way of life; in fact, more than a `way of' life, they have `become' his life. And a more filthy, degrading lifestyle one would be hard put to imagine. Renton has arrived at a point wherein absolutely nothing means anything to him: Family, friends, job, nothing. All that matters is the next fix. And to get it, he will do whatever it takes, including robbing, stealing or even betraying his mates. It's a hard life, but to `Rents' the high-- even with the total loss of self esteem-- makes it all worth it; and he'll get it any way he can: Snorting, shooting up or using suppositories. Eventually, however, Renton's bad life gets even worse, and as he emerges on morning from has drug-induced haze, he realizes things are going to have to change. The question is, can he do it? Or will he even want to.	The film is a hard look at the depths to which an addict will descend and what one will do to get that fix. To illustrate the point, there is one graphic scene (almost too hard to watch), in which Renton, losing a couple of suppositories (they had yet to melt) through a sudden act of nature, proceeds upon realizing it to turn around and fish for them in the `filthiest toilet in Scotland.' The scene is almost unbearable, but what an example of what it means to be in thrall to drugs. In another scene, not quite as graphic but powerful nonetheless, Renton's parents lock him in his room and he is forced to go `cold turkey.' And although, after the aforementioned scene this is a bit easier to watch, it is still unpleasant, but delivers a succinct message about the nature of drug addiction.	McGregor is well cast as Renton, as he brings a clean-cut look to the part that seems so contradictory to the lifestyle embraced by the character. The perfect choice of all the characters through which to tell the story, Renton has a look and an attitude that convey a life that holds such promise; here is a lad with a future. And therein lies a message in itself: When drugs are involved, never judge a book by it's cover, for addiction is never discerning. Most importantly, McGregor's performance is believable and he has a charismatic screen presence that makes Renton someone with whom the audience will readily be able to identify, which is necessary for the film to work. Without that connection, much of the message of this film would be lost, but thanks to McGregor, as well as some bold moments courtesy of director Boyle, it is not.	The supporting cast includes Ewen Bremmer (Spud), Jonny Lee Miller (Sick Boy), Kevin McKidd (Tommy), Robert Carlyle (Begbie), Kelly Macdonald (Diane) and Peter Mullan (Swanney). One of the best anti-drug films in memory, `Trainspotting' will affect even the most jaded abuser of controlled substances, for it puts the situation into perspective and gives it context, while keeping it at (still an uncomfortable) arm's length. It may be tough to watch, but there are lessons to be learned from it that are invaluable. A great companion feature to the more recent `Traffic,' this is a film that will no doubt have a dramatic affect on those who see it, for the images it presents will not easily be forgotten. And if this film will save even one person from learning about drugs the hard way, then it will have made the endeavor entirely worthwhile. Be advised, this film is more educational than entertaining, and definitely an experience. I rate this one 8/10.