Hazzman
New Member
Here's a new series on Talking Balls.
Great British Films
The first one for choice is the superb Trainspotting (1996) dir. by Danny Boyle.
Based on the book by Irvine Welsh of the same name, the topic and storyline should not be the thrilling ride of up and downs it is. An investigation into the world of heroin addicts and how the main character Renton attempts to get off the junk. However, the film is not all about drugs, its about the innocence of youth (as betrayed by Kelly MacDonald in the character of Diane), its just in youth certain people get addicted to certain things. Renton and co have got addicted to Heroin.
On release it was incredibly hyped, it was Britain showing Hollywood how to make films, how to soundtrack films, how to do gritty films, how to show a realistic story. Film Four's downfall came through Trainspotting, the critical success and applauds, led to a massive marketing campaign with the favourite orange numbered posters between 5 important characters of the film. It flopped in America despite good reports, it was never a marketable film and it fell flat on its face. America's ideology of Britain is like a romantic comedy and Trainspotting did not tick the boxes. Although, a scene involving battering a yank to steal his cash during Edinburgh Festival may have had a desired effect on the American public.
The cast involved were either catapulted or shadowed by the film. Ewan McGregor has gone from strength to strength, Jonny Lee Miller got married to Angelina Jolie and then left her, Robert Caryle became a nasty bastard in everything starred since. Danny Boyle, the director had become something of a golden boy, his first choice of film after Trainspotting was A Life Less Ordinary, an average affair and then The Beach famed from starring Leo Di Caprio and being fecking shite. He did return back to his British origins in film-making with 28 Days Later.
How important is this film to British Cinema? Up there quite, an example of kitchen sink movies in the 90s and the beginning of the end for Film Four. It also in certain parts fitted in with the Britpop theme with a brash soundtrack. But aslo the fact for a while, we were top dogs at producing films aswell as providing the best in music. Trainspotting delivered on the eve before Conversative long ending of power was just an omen. Many have said it glamourises drugs but the film is more about the come down of drugs then the short enjoyment of them.
The ending is superb but I shall not reveal for those who have watched. Some may not like it for its brash and in-your face style but it fitted with the moment and time of this making. The much baitted sequel, Porno is nowhere near production and quite possibly for better, the books there for reading but the ending of Trainspotting does leave you wanting more, as your sideing with the main character desire to want to know want happens, maybe thats the point but he choose life, chose a job, chose a car, chose a family, chose a big ****ing television.
Great British Films
The first one for choice is the superb Trainspotting (1996) dir. by Danny Boyle.
Based on the book by Irvine Welsh of the same name, the topic and storyline should not be the thrilling ride of up and downs it is. An investigation into the world of heroin addicts and how the main character Renton attempts to get off the junk. However, the film is not all about drugs, its about the innocence of youth (as betrayed by Kelly MacDonald in the character of Diane), its just in youth certain people get addicted to certain things. Renton and co have got addicted to Heroin.
On release it was incredibly hyped, it was Britain showing Hollywood how to make films, how to soundtrack films, how to do gritty films, how to show a realistic story. Film Four's downfall came through Trainspotting, the critical success and applauds, led to a massive marketing campaign with the favourite orange numbered posters between 5 important characters of the film. It flopped in America despite good reports, it was never a marketable film and it fell flat on its face. America's ideology of Britain is like a romantic comedy and Trainspotting did not tick the boxes. Although, a scene involving battering a yank to steal his cash during Edinburgh Festival may have had a desired effect on the American public.
The cast involved were either catapulted or shadowed by the film. Ewan McGregor has gone from strength to strength, Jonny Lee Miller got married to Angelina Jolie and then left her, Robert Caryle became a nasty bastard in everything starred since. Danny Boyle, the director had become something of a golden boy, his first choice of film after Trainspotting was A Life Less Ordinary, an average affair and then The Beach famed from starring Leo Di Caprio and being fecking shite. He did return back to his British origins in film-making with 28 Days Later.
How important is this film to British Cinema? Up there quite, an example of kitchen sink movies in the 90s and the beginning of the end for Film Four. It also in certain parts fitted in with the Britpop theme with a brash soundtrack. But aslo the fact for a while, we were top dogs at producing films aswell as providing the best in music. Trainspotting delivered on the eve before Conversative long ending of power was just an omen. Many have said it glamourises drugs but the film is more about the come down of drugs then the short enjoyment of them.
The ending is superb but I shall not reveal for those who have watched. Some may not like it for its brash and in-your face style but it fitted with the moment and time of this making. The much baitted sequel, Porno is nowhere near production and quite possibly for better, the books there for reading but the ending of Trainspotting does leave you wanting more, as your sideing with the main character desire to want to know want happens, maybe thats the point but he choose life, chose a job, chose a car, chose a family, chose a big ****ing television.
