Trainspotting, the movie released in 1996 ended up authentically representing the voice of the subculture from that period. Over twenty years later, the movie is starting to become more relevant than ever. Focusing on addiction, and the impact of social standards on society, we can pick plenty of trainspotting lessons from this cinematographic masterpiece.
Choose Life
The movie opens with a dynamic monologue spoken by the main character, Mark Renton. This monologue and the concept of “choose life” will end up remaining an emblem for those that don’t want to conform to the norm. Although at first, it might seem just like a meaningless rant, the monologue holds much wisdom.
Choose a life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit crushing game shows, stucking junk food into your mouth…But why would I want to do a thing like that?
Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting
This quote and concept represent criticism at the way societies operate and the false social standards imposed on people. Television, mass-media, the institutions, and the leaders are imposing the same ideas upon society. Ideally, the people would only focus on consuming and running away from themselves, benefiting the machine.
In this subtle monologue, Irvine Welsh, the writer is exposing the society for what it is, a consumption machine. Anybody’s goal should be escaping this rigged game and rediscovering themselves, just as Ronton did in the end. Such a process takes much boldness and effort since we’re way too invested in materialism and consumerism, rather than something meaningful.
Environment Matters
It is well-known in the business world that your environment has a huge impact on your success, and the way your life develops. The people and ideas surrounding you will end up influencing the way your life develops.
This fact is even more valid in the world of addiction, as illustrated by Trainspotting. The movie follows the evolution of a couple of characters and the impact of drug addiction on their life. Although some of them often tried to get over their addictions and get their lives in order, the environment always ended up dragging them back in.
It’s not only until Ronton physically escaped his environment, leaving his friends behind that he manages to get his life back in order. If not, even if drug-free for a while, he would’ve only ended up where he started. It was just a matter of time.
If all of your friends behave in a certain manner, you will end up behaving just like them sooner or later. If you want to change, you have to leave some of them behind. You can’t climb the mountain with baggage that’s too heavy.
Conclusion
Trainspotting is a movie representative of a whole era and group of people desiring the unconventional. If a representative twenty years ago, this movie is just like old cheese and wine, even better today. The trainspotting lessons mentioned above are simple but very effective.
