OWFilm World Cup Round 2: Scotland vs. Norway
OWFilm World Cup Round Two
Trainspotting will be the heavy favourites in this tie as Danny Boyles innovative and highly memorable anti-drugs film takes on the dark and brooding Insomnia. On paper it looks like an easy win for Scotland but one has to take into consideration the minority of people who find the film offensive and dont seem to comprehend that the film is at no point trying to glamorise the world of drugs it is just being honest. Insomnia surprisingly came through well against Irelands Once in the first round and so obviously has a solid fan- base which might be able to help the film pull off the upset. The prospect of England and Scotland both reaching a World Cup Quarter Final would be quite something however only you can make that happen. Tale of the Reel is After the Jump...
Trainspotting (1996)
OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB: (8.2, #154) RT: 89% EMPIRE TOP 500 (#316th)
In 1990 Goodfellas rewrote the rulebook for modern cinema with its innovative narration and cutting edge camera techniques. Voice-over swaps, freeze frames, epic tracking shots and exhilarating paced cuts were all used to capture the mad, larger than life world of the mafia. Six years later the heavily inspired Danny Boyle used similar techniques to breathe some much needed life and spirit back into the British film industry. In Trainspotting he created the perfect anti-drug statement with assistance from a sensational cast and crew and the brilliant source novel written by Irvine Welsh who also assisted John Hodge with the screenplay. What really stands out about the film is that it does a great job of showing the two sides of the coin when it comes to drug use. First, Boyle documents the intense pleasure of the initial high and the energy of these moments is perfectly encapsulated through the use of fast editing, jump cuts and stirring club beats. In between these moments however the harsher reality is evident and the film does an equally masterful job of showing the horrific aftertaste and it is here where images such as a baby dying in a damp, drug induced room stay with you long after viewing. Ultimately Rentons decision at the end of the film to walk away from the world of drugs and decide instead to choose life provides a refreshing, final moral that there is in fact plenty more to live for than some stupid hit. In 2004 Trainspotting was voted the best Scottish film of all time in List Magazine beating out competition from the likes of Gregorys Girl and American Cousins. INTERESTING FACT: Ewan McGregor transformed his body into the stick insect like, heroin addicted protagonist by living on a two month diet where he was allowed no alcohol nor dairy products.
Insomnia (1997)
OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB (7.3) RT (97%) EMPIRE TOP 500 (Not listed)
Insomnia is an engaging psychological thriller (remade in 2002 by Christopher Nolan) which methodically unravels an intelligently plotted game of cat and mouse between a detective and a killer and provides a series of well developed and genuinely unexpected twists and turns as it builds to a brooding and tense conclusion. What separates Insomnia from most film of its type is that it is careful to maintain a key focus on character and let them lead the story forward. The film also makes an intriguing political statement about the manner in which authorities conduct themselves and the corrupt nature that lies at the heart of big organisations. Ultimately however its the dark and disturbing atmosphere brought so well to life by director Eric Skjoldbjaerg and cinematographer Erling Thurman-Andersen that gives the film its enduring qualities. Its lingering visual style makes each dark moment count and provides a chilling undercurrent of terror throughout its ninety seven minute running time. INTERESTING FACT: The lead actor Stellan Skasgard has an interesting family background which should perhaps be turned into a film itself. Undoubtedly the most fascinating revelation is that his grandparents remained happily married for several years despite the fact that his grandfather was a severe atheist and his grandmother was deeply religious. Apparently they had a mutual respect for one anothers opinions. How bizarre!