Trainspotting Close-Up (Closing Sequence)

Overview

The closing sequence of Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) is a powerful and thought-provoking scene that brings the story and characters to a satisfying conclusion. It follows the character of Renton as he makes the decision to steal the money that he and his friends had intended to split evenly. Renton’s final monologue mirrors the opening “choose life” monologue, but Renton instead rejects hedonism and embraces capitalism.

Ideological Analysis: Anti-Capitalist

The closing sequence of Trainspotting serves to showcase Renton’s rejection of nihilism. Renton’s decision to steal the money represents the inevitable embrace of a capitalist system, suggesting that he is finally leaving his life of hedonism. Renton ultimately “chooses life” by taking the money for himself, realising that hedonism does not lead to true fulfilment in life. He pledges to begin living a disciplined life, stating that “I’m gonna be just like you.”. This encourages the audience to challenge their assumptions and encourage them to question the status quo.

Narrative Analysis

Renton’s final monologue mirrors the opening monologue, following a similar rhythm and cadence. This creates a sense of closure and resolution, bringing the narrative back full circle. The focus pull away from Renton at the end of the sequence reinforces this sense of closure, as he walks off into the distance and the camera moves away from him. The confessional remarks in the narration suggest that Renton has learned something from his experiences and has rejected nihilism in favor of a more practical and grounded worldview. This has the effect of providing the viewer with a sense of narrative satisfaction, as the story has reached a logical and emotionally satisfying conclusion.