Trainspotting - in 10 Pictures

Ewan McGregor’s star-making role. He’s so charming here that in the next 94 minutes, you’ll almost forgive him after he commits statutory rape, turns a clean friend on to heroin, and steals from the public and his friends.

The lighting at the entrance and exit of the heroin den has a very hellish quality.

Still can’t understand a single word Robert Carlyle (as Begbie) says during the film.

Great positioning of McGregor in front of Travis Bickle.

Interesting that the protagonist has his back turned here. Is it foreshadowing that he will turn his back on his friends? Is he looking away from the train to accomplish something more substantial with his life? Or is it merely homage to the back cover of “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”?

Great choices of music throughout the film, particularly in this overdose scene where some of lyrics to Lou Reed’s “A Perfect Day” provide another layer. By the way, you don’t typically shoot Narcan into the air.

The most effective substance withdrawal scene ever caught on film.

Lots of mirrors in the movie, often when Renton’s making a big decision.

Just when you think director Danny Boyle has run out of ideas, he creates this brilliant “Abbey Road” homage.

“So why did I do it? I could offer a million answers, all false. The truth is that I'm a bad person, but that's going to change, I'm going to change. This is the last of this sort of thing. I'm cleaning up and I'm moving on, going straight and choosing life. I'm looking forward to it already. I'm going to be just like you: the job, the family, the f@cking big television, the washing machine, the car, the compact disc and electrical tin opener, good health, low cholesterol, dental insurance, mortgage, starter home, leisurewear, luggage, three-piece suite, DIY, game shows, junk food, children, walks in the park, nine to five, good at golf, washing the car, choice of sweaters, family Christmas, indexed pension, tax exemption, clearing the gutters, getting by, looking ahead, to the day you die.”