Trainspotting: Symbolism, Representation, and Point of View

Trainspotting: Symbolism, Representation, and Point of View

In Danny Boyle’s 1996 film, Trainspotting, audiences are escorted through the life and heroin addiction of Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor), and introduced to the idiosyncrasies and short comings of his friends. Throughout the film, Mark’s situation and disposition, as well as the position of the viewers, are displayed through symbolism and representation, presented within the cinematography and storyline.
In the opening scene viewers are introduced to Mark and his friends as they are running through the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland. A quick close up of feet is followed by a medium close up of the characters’ faces and then a medium close up from behind. Immediately following the shot from behind the hand held technique is used to experience Mark’s point of view as he’s running. These fairly quick transitions lead the viewer to the position of a witness, as they are watching from behind, to Mark’s point of ...