Twenty years on from Trainspotting’s cinema release, BBC Radio 4 documentary Choose Life tells the stories of the real-life recovering addicts who inspired the filmmakers and actors… and who even performed cameo roles in the opening scenes.
Where is Trainspotting based? Forget old monuments and castles, Edinburgh is renowned for its part in the iconic adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s novel-turned-cult-film, Trainspotting. Shot amidst the winding streets of Scotland’s capital as well as in its second city, Glasgow, the film highlights some of Edinburgh’s best sights.
Also, Was Trainspotting filmed in Glasgow? Although set in Edinburgh, almost all of the film was shot in Glasgow, apart from the opening scenes which were shot in Edinburgh, and the final scenes which were shot in London.
Is Trainspotting hard to read?
“It’s not an easy read for an American,” says Mr Howard. “The glossary will help, but in any case the book works a good deal like Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange – if you stick with it for 20 pages you catch the rhythm of the language.”
21 Related Questions and Answers
Is Trainspotting a good movie?
A brutal, often times funny, other times terrifying portrayal of drug addiction in Edinburgh. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth viewing as a realistic and entertaining reminder of the horrors of drug use.
Was Trainspotting filmed in Leith?
Over half of the scenes in T2 Trainspotting were filmed in location in Edinburgh, so come into town and take these tips from our guide to follow in our favourite Leith lads’ footsteps.
What school does Diane go to in Trainspotting?
Not far from Volcano is Diane’s school in Jordanhill, where she threatens to call the police if Renton doesn’t see her again. They walk alongside the fence to the school gate, which still stands today.
Where does Mark Renton live?
T2 Trainspotting (2017)
20 years later, Renton is now 46 and lives in Amsterdam with his wife.
How many Trainspotting books are there?
Trainspotting Trilogy by Irvine Welsh 3 Books Trainspotting Porno Skagboys New.
Who narrates Trainspotting?
The narrator of this chapter (and of almost half the book’s 44 chapters) is Mark Renton, and he tells us his thoughts as he speaks.
Is Trainspotting OK for teens?
Not suitable for under 18s. Contains several sex scenes and complete nudity. Violent scenes are gory.
Why is Trainspotting an 18?
Though drug-taking is Trainspotting’s most contentious classification issue, the film’s language, sex and violence also place it at 18. … The long ratings info for Trainspotting, written for the Blu-Ray edition in 2009, reads ‘Contains very strong language, strong sex and violence and hard drug use’.
Is Trainspotting an anti drug?
There is even a relief: Lies and evasions are unnecessary among friends who share the same needs. “Trainspotting” knows that truth in its very bones. The movie has been attacked as pro-drug and defended as anti-drug, but actually it is simply pragmatic.
Is Leith rough?
Leith. Leith has something of a ‘badboy’ reputation amongst the city’s neighbourhoods, so you’re probably wondering how it’s made its way onto our list of the safest areas in Edinburgh. … This was traditionally the roughest part of the city. (Think Trainspotting).
What pub was used in Trainspotting?
The Central Bar in Leith, a pub near HMP Edinburgh and one in Glasgow (which we’ll get to later) were all utilised to create Sick Boy’s Port Sunshine pub. Only the cellar in this pub was used as a filming location, but this exact pub is mentioned in the book version of Trainspotting.
Where was Trainspotting filmed in London?
Trainspotting was filmed in 235 Buchanan St, 368 Alexandra Parade, 78A Talgarth Road, Big Ben, Cafe D’Jaconelli, Calton Road, Carnaby St, Corrour Station, Crosslands, Dumbarton Road, Hanover St, Jordanhill School, Lloyd’s Building, Oxford St, Piccadilly Circus, Possilpark, Princes St, Regent St, Rouken Glen Park and …
Why is Trainspotting so popular?
So why did Trainspotting capture the popular imagination in a way that few British indie films have before or since? Partly, it’s a case of impeccable timing. The film is of course synonymous with the Britpop era, thanks largely to soundtrack contributions from the likes of Blur, Pulp, Underworld and Sleeper.
Why was Trainspotting written?
Author Irvine Welsh says he started writing hits such as Trainspotting as a result of not being able to play an instrument properly and being kicked out of a succession of bands.
What was Begbie in jail for?
Though he is likely only arrested for vandalism, sustained police attention likely results in the outstanding arrest warrant for armed robbery being discovered (and possibly his most recent assault cases as well), ensuring that Begbie will be serving a lengthy jail sentence.
How much did Renton leave spud?
Renton leaves £2,000 for Spud in a locker before leaving to live a stable, traditional life.
Where does Renton get hit by the car?
At the eastern end of Princes Street, it’s down the steps from Leith Street to Calton Road, and the Calton Street Bridge, where Renton is hit by the car.
What is the baby scene in Trainspotting?
Baby’s death
In the film’s most brutal scene, the characters are awoken from their drugged haze by a woman screaming hysterically — only to discover that her baby has died. The likely father, Sick Boy, is devastated, and yells at his friends to say something. Only Renton breaks the silence: “I’m cooking up.”
Why did Welsh wrote Trainspotting?
Irvine Welsh: I started writing because I wasn’t very good at doing music. I wrote ballads but couldn’t play an instrument properly. I was fed up of getting kicked out of fledgling bands, so I decided to dispense with the music and carry on with the storytelling.
Why is the book called Trainspotting?
The title is a reference to an episode where Begbie and Renton meet “an auld drunkard” in the disused Leith Central railway station, which they are visiting to use as a toilet.
