Research - Trainspotting Opening Sequence

Trainspotting

Trainspotting is a 1996 British black comedy crime drama film directed by Danny Boyle. Based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh, the film was released in the United Kingdom on 23 February 1996. The film follows a group of heroin addicts in a late 1980s economically depressed area of Edinburgh and their passage through life. Beyond drug addiction, other themes in the film are exploration of the urban poverty and squalor in "culturally rich" Edinburgh.

In the first frame we see the production company, Channel Four Films.

The opening to this film is extremely fast paced, we are immediately introduced to a chase scene. Connoting panic and trouble. Suggesting that, linking to the film's genre, they may have committed a crime and are avoiding capture. The camera focuses on the character's feet in the foreground, and the police in the background suggesting that they are successfully getting away.

The camera then cuts to a mid low angle shot of the protagonist, allowing the audience to see his scruffy costume, giving us an idea of his social class. The low angle may be used to suggest that he has the upper-hand in this police chase. We also see the setting in the foreground, a busy street with much litter on the pavement; hinting at the social status of the area the film takes place in,

During this opening sequence, a very fast-paced song plays (non-diegetic), making the chase high speed and adrenaline pumping. During the opening sequence, there are very little points in which the pace comes to halt. The protagonist continues to narrate over this sequence, suggesting his primary role in the film. This is also enforced by the fact that a majority of the shots are focused on him.

Medium shot of Renton smoking a joint tells the audience that he is a drug user and may be hint as to why he was being chased; also suggesting trouble may be come often to him. His clothes look old and dirty, giving us an idea of his social class, Also the room he is in looks dirty and ruined, hinting at a poor, poverty-stricken lifestyle. His facial expression show the effects of the drug he is taking.

We then see a wide shot of the group playing football, however the way they are dressed suggests they may not have enough money to afford the proper outfit. The way they stand suggests they are not taking this sport very seriously. Renton is even smoking a joint whilst on the pitch, representing him as a drug abuser.

The other team, however, are dressed in full football kits and stand as if they are proper football team. Highlighting the social barrier between the two teams.

We then see multiple freeze frames of the rest of the group. 'Sick-Boy' is seen showing anger and frustration, representing his character in a similar way.Also, his unpleasant name may be a hint at his character. After this, a freeze frame of 'Begbie' appears after he aggressively tackles an opponent. He laughs afterwards, suggesting that he is not taking this serious and perhaps enjoys the pain of others.
Finally, we see 'Spud'. The name connotes stupidity, suggesting his character isnt very smart and is clumsy. He fails to save the shot, causing the group to go mad. Also, his is wearing a Superman t-shirt which pokes humor at his character because he is far from Superman.

Then we see a mid-shot of three women and a baby. Suggesting they are the (girl)friends of the group. One woman is smoking in the company of a baby, this is often frowned upon and suggests a careless attitude.

Renton is hit in the face by the ball, then the camera jump cuts to him taking a frag from the joint. Suggesting the sensation is similar and can take you off your feet. As he falls on the pitch, the camera tracks him falling in the room due to the effect of the drug. These cuts are effective in telling the audience the falling is similar in both instances. He hits the floor simultaneously in both shots, suggesting he has hit rock-bottom with his drug-abusing lifestyle.

I have used Trainspotting as one of my primary inspirations for my opening sequence; the significance of drugs and the specific time period were linked to this film. The main character's reliance on such drugs played a large influence on my character's story.