Trainspotting, Danny Boyle, 1996. Photo: NFSA.
94 Mins | 1996 | DCP | UK | D: Danny Boyle
A cult classic and the debut novel from Scottish author Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting takes readers into the gritty, riotous world of the Edinburgh drug scene through a series of short stories told from the perspectives of its anti-heroes.
Ewan McGregor stars as Renton in Danny Boyle’s film adaptation, a young man who attempts to get clean amidst a motley crew of apathetic, heroin-addicted ‘friends’. While Trainspotting sparked some controversy around its portrayal of drug use, it was largely applauded by critics and audiences alike, and ranks among the top British films.
‘…supercharged with sulphurous humour and brutal recklessness’ – The Guardian
The screening will be followed by a discussion of the film and the novel with author Bram Presser, moderated by Canberra Writers Festival Artistic Director Beejay Silcox.
BRAM PRESSER
Bram Presser is a semi-reformed punk rocker, recovering academic and lapsed lawyer. His novel, The Book of Dirt, won the National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction (USA), the Voss Prize and three categories at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. In his spare time, Bram dads, reads, reviews, blogs, plays video games and judges the odd literary prize. Or, to borrow from Trainspotting‘s Renton, Bram chooses life.
Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival.
The details
What: Trainspotting screening + discussion with Bram Presser
When: 1 pm, Sunday 17 November 2024
Where: Arc Cinema, NFSA Acton
Cost: $18–20 via the NFSA website
