See Film Differently: Trainspotting

On February 2nd, 2011 my brother and I attended Volkswagen’s latest See Film Differently event in Edinburgh. The third in a series of across country screenings, which had so far included American Werewolf in London at London Zoo and Get Carter in Newcastle, this latest event celebrated the 15th anniversary of Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting.

Opening with the screening itself, competition winners and press were provided with complimentary popcorn, haggis and a drink, and shown into the Royal Scottish Academy’s resident theatre. Introduced by the head of the Edinburgh film festival, the editor of Little White Lies magazine and a to-camera piece by Boyle himself, Trainspotting was twice the film I remembered it being. Beautifully shot and wittily written, Trainspotting is every bit the cinematic milestone as later blockbusters Sunshine, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.

Leaving the screening room an absolute mess (let’s see how they like cleaning up wet popcorn), the audience was escorted along Princes St. to the Ingleby Gallery for another drink and a browse of vintage screenshots and promotional material from the movie. Seizing the opportunity to talk to PR guru Will Francis and LWLs’ Matt Bochenski, it was absolutely fantastic to feel a part of the British film culture. Like being in London again only with my own bed to return to, it was a treat to be able to rediscover an under-appreciated classic, talk film with those in the know and experience Trainspotting in its natural habitat. The guest list is where I belong!

Yes that’s me at the end, kissing car company butt. The one with the worst voice in the world.