Monday, November 23, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
#3: Linear Media in 'Trainspotting'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naf_WiEb9Qs
The opening sequence of Trainspotting sets the tone for the entire movie. Within 2 minutes the audience is already introduced to all the characters in the film. They're all introduced through the camera shots which then freeze momentarily (freeze frame) on them and display their name to the side in blocky white capitalized letters. We also get a sense of the activities they enjoy as they are running from the authorities shedding items from themselves it's apparent they like stealing. They also are all seen playing soccer and doing drugs. These actions accompanied by the voiceover narration by Renton, let us know that the characters in the film are rebellious, and not exactly upstanding citizens. As the narration ends Renton says why would he choose a normal average life when he's got heroin.
The opening sequence of Trainspotting sets the tone for the entire movie. Within 2 minutes the audience is already introduced to all the characters in the film. They're all introduced through the camera shots which then freeze momentarily (freeze frame) on them and display their name to the side in blocky white capitalized letters. We also get a sense of the activities they enjoy as they are running from the authorities shedding items from themselves it's apparent they like stealing. They also are all seen playing soccer and doing drugs. These actions accompanied by the voiceover narration by Renton, let us know that the characters in the film are rebellious, and not exactly upstanding citizens. As the narration ends Renton says why would he choose a normal average life when he's got heroin.
The setting of the film ties in well with the narration and the characters. They're all lanky rowdy boys and in the very beginning we see a closeup shot of Spud and Renton's feet from behind as they're running. The music, Lust for Life by Iggy Pop, works well with the pace at which they're running, it's almost in sync and sets the tone for a very fast-paced film. You could dig even further and say the lyrics to the song is very reflective of their behavior too. I'm only saying this because I know and like the song. The lyrics go: "Here comes Johnny Yen again, With the liquor and drugs, And the flesh machine, He's gonna do another striptease..." The song choice was very direct and obvious that drugs would be playing a central role in the film. Back to setting, the lighting and background is very grey and grungy. The clothing of the characters too is very grey, muted colors, their skin seems pale and yellowish and Renton's eyes appear to be somewhat reddish, probably due to the drugs (heroin). All these elements give the audience a sense of what to expect for the remainder of the film. The setting is grey and dreary, the characters are rebellious boys who use drugs, steal, and enjoy soccer. The narration lets the audience know that none of them conform to a normal life and that they all enjoy using heroin.
The way the scene is cut up works extremely well. It's very fast-paced and enthralling for the viewers and engages us to what the mind of a heroin user is like. The music pairs very well with the rush that is probably associated with the drug but the setting and "greyness" of the film shows the grimy underbelly of what drugs does to you. This opening scene is my favorite for all those reasons, in that it's so engaging and introduces the basic story to the viewer within 2 mins.
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