Trainspotting Opening Analysis

The opening scene of Trainspotting introduces each character, bar one, and briefly helps to show and distinguish each character's personality. We're instantly aligned with Renton, simply due to the fact that he's the first character we see and hear, as he voices over the majority of the scene with a monologue that's primarily his opinions and views. As the scene opens, were joined by Renton and Spud, seen running away from what look to be security guards. Renton gets caught up after almost being hit by a car, and a freeze-frame is shown with his name appearing on screen. This simple but effective technique of introducing the characters is seen throughout the rest of the scene, and helps the audience easily grasp who is who within the rest of the film. 

 This technique is repeated in the next shot, as a chaotic football scene introduces Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud and Tommy, each with a freeze frame that gives a small glimpse at the personality of each character. The football game helps to establish the very haphazard nature of the group, and how each of them has their own defining traits. A shot is shown of Renton getting a football kicked at his head, as his fall is intercut with a shot change tohim fallingin the airy, bright apartment in which most of their drug use sessions take place. It's simple to conclude from this shot, and is made even clearer when heroin is introduced 

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