Trainspotting (1996)

I had mixed feelings about trainspotting. On the one hand, i thought it was a very good film with excellent art direction and music, and a strong message that was clear throughout. On the other hand, i don’t like gross humour or needles, and there was a good amount of both.

If i put aside those two aspects that i don’t like, i can’t really think of anything else negative to say about the film. The acting was good, and the actors seemed to deeply understand and empathise with the characters they were playing. There was a layer of absurdity over many of the shots and scenes which made me feel simultaneously removed from, but also more connected to, the plot. I don’t feel that i’ve seen this kind of dynamic in many other films.

In general, it’s a depressing film that laughs in the face of happy endings, friendship, and redemption, but that sprinkles in a few jokes and absurdity to try and lighten it up.