Trainspotting Film Analysis Essay - 1239 Words

Trainspotting presents an ostensible image of fractured society. The 1996 film opens, famously, with a series of postulated choicesÂâ€"variables, essentially, in the delineation of identity and opposition. Significant here is the tone in which these options are deliveredÂâ€"it might be considered the rhetorical voice of society, a playful exposition of the pressure placed on individuals to make the correct choices, to conform to expectation. As such, the introduction might be read as contributing to the formation of two narrative constructs: that of normalityÂâ€"or at least that considered normality by prevailing ideologyÂâ€"and that of subnormality, the remainder. In its uncompromising rejection of the former, the commentary of Ewan†¦show more content†¦These subcultures operate because the world around them is open to interpretation, and if an interpretation is justified, it is arguably as valid as one which directly opposes it. The imposition of a universal set of values, like that of the law, for example, is a product of powerÂâ€"and, liberally speaking, an injustice. Renton notes that his mother, on tranquillisers, is, in her own socially acceptable way, also a drug addict. Because these particular characters choice of lifestyle conflict with that of the dominant order, they are marginalisedÂâ€"forced to live in squalor and filth. This is something signified in the mise-en-scene: theirs is a world of repugnant toilets; of splattered walls, doors and floors; of soiled bed-sheets; of buckets for urine, vomittus and faeces. Fittingly, there is an equally strong argument to the contrary. Begbie proves an unreliable narrator, yet appears to act without conscience or consequence; Sick Boy, portrayed early on as a closet philosopher, is rendered mute after the death of his son. Some things are above and beyond words. Similarly, despite its apparent emphasis on the relationship between power and subjectivity, the film does pronounce ultimate ethical judgements, as I will describe in a moment. Trainspotting essentially refuses to make up its mind. At the films close, Rentons betrayal of his friends is completely rationalised away. Were hisShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Film Trainspotting, Directed By Danny Boyle1064 Words   |  5 Pagesthe lower class in a deplorable state of hopelessness. The film Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle, depicts the plights of young heroin junkies during the Thatcher Era in Edinburgh. The film’s focus is not heroin addiction, but rather, uses the silver screen as a platform to portray the depressing impact Thatcherism had on Scottish socioeconomic conditions as conveyed through the protagonist, heroin-addicted Mark Renton. Trainspotting illustrates that the social struggles of the Scottish lowerRead MoreHow Do the Makers of Trainspotting Depict British Youth Sub-culture?989 Words   |  4 PagesPoison or Pearls, Reality or Fantasy? (Street 110): How do the makers of Trainspotting depict British youth sub-culture and what method s of filming do they use to communicate their message in the surrealist way the film is famous for? Trainspotting (1996) is a depiction of the squalid depravities and exploitative self interest that characterises the everyday life of heroin addiction. (Petrie 90) Its realistic style, use of language and unflinching portrayal of drug use was what first attractedRead MoreThe Drug Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse Essay1531 Words   |  7 PagesThe movie Trainspotting is an entertaining look into the dark world of drug and alcohol abuse. 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The catch is he is trying to appear to be trying without actually having to get the jobRead MoreStrategic Marketing Management337596 Words   |  1351 PagesStrategic and marketing analysis 2 Marketing auditing and the analysis of capability 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Learning objectives Introduction Reviewing marketing effectiveness The role of SWOT analysis Competitive advantage and the value chain Conducting effective audits Summary 3 Segmental, productivity and ratio analysis 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 Learning objectives Introduction The clarification of cost categories Marketing cost analysis: aims and methods An illustration