Whether you have seen “Trainspotting” or not, you know the monologue-“Choose life, choose a job, choose a career…” It was the unofficial anthem for Generation X. On February 23rd, the iconic film turns 25. Widely considered the film of the 1990s, “Trainspotting” has stood the test of time.
The movie was shot in Scotland for just over 2 million dollars but earned almost 17 million domestically, making it one of the most successful British films in history. Shot in only seven and a half weeks, some scenes were shot in one take. There was no reason to expect or believe the film would have such enduring mass appeal and success. But 25 years later, the film maintains a large following and is introduced to new audiences regularly.
The controversial film, released in 1996, was the counter to the popular John Hughes films that came before it. Movies like “The Breakfast Club” dealt with issues relevant to disaffected youth. But unlike “Trainspotting,” Hughes’ films maintained PG ratings and ended on a positive note. “Trainspotting” attacked Generation X issues head-on, with cynicism, and without apology.
Based on Irvine Welsh’s book of the same name, “Trainspotting” addressed the oblivion many Gen Xers felt in the mid-1990s. There was an opioid epidemic raging in the UK and United States. AIDS was still hitting addicts and homosexuals in huge numbers. Changes in family dynamics created latch-key kids that looked to their peers rather than their parents for support and self-actualization. Young Adults were fighting back against what they perceived to be a culture of greed, and they were struggling to find their identity. Welsh’s story captured all of that, often with shocking clarity.
“Trainspotting” put Scotland on the map, while capturing life there. All but one of the lead actors was Scottish, and the film featured thick accents and colloquialisms. Suddenly, Scottish culture was on full display, and the world was infatuated.
“Trainspotting” was met with controversy even before it was released in the United States. A scene involving sex between Renton and Diane had to be trimmed because it appeared Diane, a 14-year-old schoolgirl, enjoyed the sex too much. Senator Bob Dole claimed the film glorified drug use. It came out later that he had never even seen the film. By today’s standards, the film would not stand out as controversial, but in the wake of John Hughes’s films, “Trainspotting” was shocking and bold. Drug use leads to a baby’s death, in what was a horrifying moment in the film. Renton literally goes into a toilet to retrieve drugs. Friends turn on each other, people get AIDS, and characters overdose. Nothing is left to the imagination. Yet, there are also moments of levity, humor, and hope. Fortunately, the controversy surrounding the film only deepened the hype prior to the US release.
Another success was that the film produced one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. In 2007 the editors of Vanity Fair magazine ranked the original soundtrack as the 7th best motion picture soundtrack in history. With artists like Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Blondie, New Order, and Blur, the soundtrack became so popular that EMI went on to release an additional CD with music that had not made the original cut.
Perhaps the most important key to the film’s success was the cast. Fresh off of the success of the independent film “Shallow Grave” in 1994, Director Danny Boyle started preparing for Trainspotting. He brought Scottish actor Ewan McGregor with him from “Shallow Grave.” While McGregor’s casting as Renton was controversial, Boyle was certain McGregor was right for the part. Ewan lost 26 pounds, shaved his head, and started meeting with ex-addicts to prepare. The film launched McGregor’s career and made him one of the most successful Scottish actors of all time. The other cast members were also pitch-perfect in their performances. That audiences found themselves identifying with the characters that easily could have been deemed unsympathetic was a testament to the writing and incredible performances by the ensemble cast.
Robert Carlyle-Begbie
With over 60 acting credits to him name, Carlyle was not new to acting when he was cast. His character Begbie was the only key character that was not an addict. After “Trainspotting” he went on to appear in “28 Days Later,” “The Full Monty, “ “Stargate Universe,” and “Eragon.” Most recently Carlyle played Rumpelstiltskin in “Once Upon a Time.”
Ewen Bremner-Spud
Ewen had actually played Renton in a stage version of “Trainspotting.” Director Danny Boyle was worried he would be offended for not being offered the lead role but thankfully he was happy to portray Spud. Ewen Bremner went on the perform in dozens of films, including some with Ewan McGregor. Stand out roles included performances in “Black Hawk Down” (with McGregor), “Match Point,” and “T2 Trainspotting” for which Bremmer was awarded a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Acting. He will be playing Alan McGee in the upcoming film “Creation Stories,” about the infamous Creation Record Label.
Kelly Macdonald-Diane
Kelly Macdonald was cast for Trainspotting after picking up a casting flyer. She had no film acting experience but when she walked in to meet Danny Boyle, he knew immediately she was the one for the part. At 19, she was naïve and new to the process. She often brought her family to the set and was hungover during her first day of shooting after having drinks with the cast the night before. Her breakout performance led to a fabulous career with roles in “Nanny McPhee,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows,” “No Country For Old Men,” and “Boardwalk Empire.” Later this year the 44-year-old actress will return to her role in the BBC police drama “Line of Duty.”
Jonny Lee Miller-Sick Boy
Miller was cast for Trainspotting after his performance in “Hackers” caught Danny Boyle’s eye. He is the only lead in the film that is not Scottish. After the film, Miller developed a strong friendship with Ewan McGregor and roomed with him for a while. The two also partnered with a few other actors to found the production company “Natural Nylon,” now dissolved. Miller married Angelina Jolie shortly after the “Trainspotting” release but the marriage only lasted 18 months. Miller is best known for his role in the TV Show “Elementary.” He is starring in the Drama “Alice,” with Alicia Witt. The film is currently in post-production.
Danny Boyle-Director
Director Danny Boyle went on to direct many well-known films including “Slumdog Millionaire,” and “28 Days Later.” He directed McGregor once again in the 1997 film “A Life Less Ordinary” with Cameron Diaz. Shortly after, Boyle directed Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Beach.” DiCaprio’s casting led to a falling out between McGregor and Boyle as Boyle had promised the role to Ewan. It would be several years before the two would reconcile. Boyle went on to direct “T2 Trainspotting” in 2017. He has a project in pre-production currently, called “Methuselah” staring Micheal Jordan.
Ewan McGregor-Renton
Ewan McGregor, who will turn 50 next month, was the first actor cast for “Trainspotting.” Prior to the film, he had starred in the BBC miniseries “Lipstick on Your Collar,” and the film “Shallow Grave.” While “Shallow Grave” launched him to stardom in the UK, it was not until “Trainspotting” that McGregor became a sensation in the United States. To date, he has over 90 acting credits and was made an Officer of the British Empire for his contributions to film, theatre, and charity. He is best known for “Moulin Rouge,” “The Impossible,” “Big Fish,” and the Star Wars Prequels. Most recently he portrayed Black Mask in “Birds of Prey,” and Danny Torrance in “Dr. Sleep,” the sequel to “The Shining.” Ewan has several upcoming projects. He co-stars in the film “The Birthday Cake,” currently in post-production. He will also star in the Netflix limited series “Halston,” which just finished filming. He will begin filming “Kenobi” in Los Angeles soon. “Kenobi” is one of the most anticipated Disney Plus shows in pre-production.
“Trainspotting”’s a mixture of humor, realism, and cynicism will keep the film relevant. Sadly, we are still dealing with an opioid epidemic, and we will always have disaffected youth struggling to find meaning in life. The “Choose Life” anthem still fits. That is why “Trainspotting” will remain a classic for another 25 years, and beyond.
The sequel to “Trainspotting,” “T2”, released in 2017 earned many positive reviews but failed to recreate the magic of the 1996 film. Based on the book sequel to “Trainspotting” called “Porno,” the film follows up on the characters 20 years later. Both films can be purchased or rented on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, YouTube, and Vudu.
Invisible Cities will be hosting a virtual tour of the film locations on February 23rd to mark the anniversary. The virtual tour costs about seven dollars. More information can be found here.
The Ewan McGregor Project Watch Facebook Page will be sharing deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and cast interviews on February 24th to commemorate the anniversary. Visit the page here.
Written by Michelle Haab
Lynn Makes
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson