11. Trainspotting: How to Choose Life, According to the "Anti-John Hughes Movie" (Glaring Admissions)

Danny Boyle’s 1996 feature Trainspotting (based on the Irvine Welsh book of the same name) is one of the most iconic films of the 90s. And seeing as it’s the 30th anniversary of that seminal Miramax feature, we thought there was no better time to sit down and discuss it. Because behind the absolute beast of a soundtrack, the endless parade of quotable lines, and that hyper-stylized 90s cinematography, there’s also a deeply resonant story about coming-of-age and choosing life, as opposed to stewing in an environment that no-longer serves you. 

In this episode of Glaring Admissions, Nick revisits one of his favorite movies of all time while Raekwon watches Trainspotting for the first time.

We break down Ewan McGregor’s Mark Renton, Sick Boy, Spud, Tommy, and the terrifying Francis Begbie while exploring what Danny Boyle’s film has to say about addiction, toxic friendships, and the fear of moving forward. We also make the case that Trainspotting is essentially the anti-John Hughes movie: a coming-of-age story about adults who never really came of age.

We also discuss:

• Why Renton is an unreliable narrator
• The meaning of the phrase “Choose Life”


• Whether Trainspotting glorifies heroin and drug use
• Renton’s relationship with Sick Boy, Spud, Tommy, and Begbie

• Why Renton’s friends may be holding him back
• Tommy’s tragic character arc


• Danny Boyle’s directing and visual style
• The iconic Trainspotting soundtrack, including Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, New Order, and Underworld


• The infamous “Worst Toilet in Scotland” scene


• Trainspotting vs. Requiem for a Dream and other movies about addiction
• Why the ending may represent Renton finally choosing life