Trainspotting opening scene analysis

Camera- Lots of tracking shots following the main characters running. Point of view shots from main character running and another from the car driver. A medium close-up and a long shot of Renton in his flat smoking drugs. Lots of moving camera shots at low angles of the characters playing football. A low close-up of Renton on his floor, the camera starts at his head then tracks down his body and away from him.

Editing- The opening scene is a montage of different scenes that introduces the main characters. When introducing each character the frame is frozen and their name is shown, Renton's name is shown first so you assume he's the main character. There are two of the same type of shots showing the main characters football team, and then it compares them to the opposing team. This makes the main characters seem messy and unorganised compared to the other team who are in matching kits. There are quick cuts of Renton in different scenes falling backwards, one where he's been hit by the football and one where he is taking drugs in his flat. The two scenes demonstrate the contrast between social and unsocial behaviour.

Sound- It starts with an upbeat song which is non-diegetic and carries on through the whole opening scene,further more the song fits the start shots where they are running. Rentons voice is talking over the scene which is non-diegetic also. The music becomes quieter when he is talking.

Representation-They are represented straight from the start as they are running away, from the security guards. Their age is about early 20's from the way they are dressed, and the way they look. You can tell that he is fairly uneducated and quite poor from the state of his flat. He shows that he takes drugs and he is quite proud of it and its not seen as a big thing in-between their friends.

Mise En Scene-From the opening sequence and the main character's accent you can tell the film is set in Scotland. The film is also based about the early 90's, you can tell this from the way the characters are dressed and the vehicles involved in the opening scene. The lighting used is natural lighting, even in Renton's flat. There are not many props used however when they are running down the streets we see their stolen goods come out of their pockets.