Trainspotting

 'Trainspotting is a British film directed based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh. The movie follows a group of heroin addicts in a late 1980s economically depressed area of Edinburgh and their passage through life. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Mark Renton, Ewen Bremner as Spud, Jonny Lee Miller as Sick Boy, Kevin McKidd as Tommy, Robert Carlyle as Begbie, and Kelly Macdonald as Diane. Author Irvine Welsh also has a cameo appearance as hapless drug dealer Mikey Forrester.'

•  Genre:Crime Drama Comedy
•  Released:1996
• Director:Danny Boyle
• Starring: Ewan McGregor, Ewan Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle
• Budget:$3,500,000
• Box office:$72,000,000
• Distributed by: Polygram Filmed Entertainment

Analysis 

The opening sequence of Trainspotting starts off with two men being chased through Princes Street Edinburgh. The type of shot being used is a dolly shot which works wells because it follows the men and the audience also feels close enough to them in the shot so that they can see facial expression, gathering a better understanding of the situation and what each character is like. After Ewan McGregor is knocked down by a car he stands up and grins at the camera, meaning to look through the car windscreen. As he does a freeze frame freezes the clip with the name ‘Renton’ written beneath, labeling his character with that name. This idea which is used to label the four other main character, really establishes them as the main characters and the names used give the audience a better understanding of their personalities. The narration from Ewan McGregor really helps set the scene and ties the introduction together, giving the film a steady basis to start from. The music used ‘Iggy Pop – Lust for Life’ is also relevant, as it is a fast paced beat suited to the high speed chase and could also be a reflection of their reckless lifestyle.

The opening is well done. The types of shot used build the basis for character development throughout. As the close ups of facial expressions give glimpses into their personalities and the fast pace at which each shot is edited reflects the type of reckless carefree attitude they have towards life.

Notes

The freeze frame idea is something me and Flossi are keen on introducing into our intro. Also the dolly shot is one we hope to use as we will be filming all four of our characters walking through a corridor and believe this shot would be most appropriate for shooting this.