Trainspotting Homework

Homework

The scene opens with non-diegetic sound as a voice over is played expressing the main character 'Renton', thoughts, this automatically sets the mood for the start of the film. Ambient and diegetic sound then occurs when he stands up and the sound of his footsteps are heard when he is shown walking towards the 'Mother Superior', at the same time we hear music and a baby's voice coming from the background which gives the viewer a clear image of what an unpleasant place they are in. Next, diegetic dialogue is used between the characters as they are making personal jokes about their drug use, 'but he knows a lot about Sean Connery'. This is used to create a comedic effect towards the audience as it has no relation to the topic. Non diegetic sound is used as a voice over is heard again, before a sound bridge takes place including sounds of train horns (connecting it with its name, Trainspotting) that are fading into the classical music played in the next scene, along with the sound of a key unlocking a door. The use of this sound bridge is to connect the two scenes with different themes.

Contrapuntal sound is used when the classical music is playing, along with another non diegetic voice over of Renton’s thoughts, expressing what he is going to do to overcome his drug addiction. This is used for a humorous effect towards the audience showing a contrast between the sophisticated, classical music playing and the voiceover of Renton’s ideas. The voiceover consists of a list of foods, drinks and materials he has gotten, to try and stop taking the drugs. 'Tomato soup, 10 tins of' 'ice cream, vanilla, one large tub of', the way in which he lists these things almost seems backwards which implies an unusual, confusing situation and to me, evokes character environment. The way pornography and the mention of the buckets for his three bodily fluids have been included in the voiceover is used again, to create humour for the audience as he sounds positive and prepared for such a disgusting time ahead as part of his withdrawal symptoms. Finally, to end the scene, diegetic sound is used as Renton meets a drug dealer which has brought him a drug he did not ask for. 'This is typical of Mikey Forrester' this implies that Renton is familiar with this person suggesting to the audience that he is his drug dealer. He then goes on to say 'what the fuck are these' before the scene cuts of, to create the last bit of humour and to also sum up the scene.

Overall, sound is very important to this part of the Trainspotting film. The use of different sound techniques shows how thought and planned out this particular scene is as each technique is deliberately used to arouse the viewer’s emotions, which cleverly creates tension and atmosphere throughout keeping the audience on edge and drawn into the film.