TRAINSPOTTING : Close analysis of the overdose/withdrawal scenes

 

Focus on the Overdose and Withdrawal scenes below to answer the following question in a written report

Overdose

Withdrawal

 

How is film form  used in these scenes  to explore and develop the film's social/emotional / narrative themes and the  relationships between characters ? ( e.g the widespread nature of heroin use in Edinburgh, Renton's  emotions and  relationships with family and friends ) 

Look at some of these themes  in terms of binary oppositions  ( e.g Renton v Begbie , family v independence , heroin v life)  

TRAINSPOTTING : Opening analysis

 Analyse  how the key elements of film form  ( cinematography / editing/sound/mise-en-scene/performance) are used to introduce the films' narrative and approach to its social/emotional themes , characters, and messages of the film   in the opening of Trainspotting (up to the brief credit sequence )  

           OPENING SCENE 5 minutes )

OPENING SCENE ( with hints and tips)

Focus on elements such as camera movement and framing, pace and use of editing , use of music, lighting and colour, body language and posture , and the spoken word content .

OTHER QUESTIONS 

Are the themes and issues being dealt with seriously or humorously ? How is that supported by the use of film form and the role of Renton as the narrator and main character ?

Why do you think this approach to the film's issues and its use of film form was popular with a young British audience in the 1990s ?