sublime

Rating: 10/10 (5 January 2005)

I have to say that I have seen Trainspotting so, so many times and never get tired of watching it. People who don't like or understand this film are probably the same stupid people who get their news from tabloids or who think Britney Spears is a talented artiste. Why do I love Trainspotting so much - it captured and still captures the absolute alienation and cynicism so many millions of people feel, living in a cold, soulless, heartless, commercial chain store-dominated state answerable to no-one, which you are forced to be part of, often against your will. It comments magnificently on the hypocrisy of society ("my mother in her own socially acceptable way is ALSO a drug addict") and the ignorance of the "moral majority" towards drugs. Drugs are complex things - heroin DOES have some redeeming features - so deal with it! The serious message is offset by a very dry and intelligent humour, which still has me in stitches today - often the greatest mirth is to be found in the most profound despair - Our PC times try to deny this but it is true. This says so much about Britain and our lack of naiveté - the contrast with other European countries is starkly illustrated.. Above all though this is a profoundly moving film - which explores the sheer extremes of the human soul. For me it is up there with Casablanca, Some like it hot and Taxi Driver as one of the all time great films. Superb acting, top soundtrack Underworld "Dark Train" a techno classic and above all a poignant message.