Trainspotting Opening Sequence Analysis

TITLES: The titles introduce the main characters names with bold white titles in front of a paused image of the character- there is no film title ('Trainspotting') at the beginning. This introduces the characters well and shows a little bit of their personality (e.g Renton is laughing, showing his carefree attitude).


LOCATION: First shot starts with two main characters running down a high road, seemingly in quite a big town. They have just robbed a shop (shown by the appliances falling out of their pockets.

CHARACTERS: The main character (Renton) is shown to be the main character in the first shot as he is running slightly in front of the other character, making him bigger in the shot meaning the audience see him first. This is a medium closeup shot, using the rule of thirds to separate the characters. This opening sequence is unique, so attracts an audience.

GENRES AND THEMES: Products falling out of their pockets; crime. Shows Renton smoking at end; drugs.