- Title: UK: 'TRAINSPOTTING' PREMIERES IN GLASGOW
- Date: 15th February 1996
- Summary: (REUTERS TELEVISION - AVAILABLE ALL) BOYLE SAYING THE FILM IS UPLIFTING IN SPITE OF THE SUBJECT MATTER, AND THE BOOK IS FULL OF SURREALISM WHICH HE TRIED TO PUSH EVEN FURTHER IN THE FILM (ENGLISH)
- Embargoed: 1st March 1996 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM
- Country: United Kingdom
- Reuters ID: LVA9S6TK4B3K3FECW3V1PALR390C
- Story Text: The controversial film about a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, "Trainspotting", had its premiere in Glasgow on Thursday (February 15) prior to going on general release in the United Kingdom.
The film is made by the Glasgow-based trio of Danny Boyle, John Hodge and Andrew MacDonald, who made last year's topselling British feature "Shallow Grave".
"Trainspotting" follows a group of friends hooked on heroin and has attracted controversy for showing the highs as well as the lows of heroin addiction.
Ewan McGregor (who previously appeared in "Shallow Grave") plays the lead role of Mark Renton, from whose point of view the film's story is told. Ewen Bremner plays his friend Spud, Jonny Lee Miller (son of Bernard Lee, who played "M" in James Bond films) plays "Sick Boy" and Kevin McKidd and Robert Carlyle take the roles of Renton's other friends Tommy and Begbie respectively. Renton's love interest is provided by Diane, played by a completely inexperienced actress, Kelly Macdonald. Macdonald was given the role after replying to a newspaper advertisement and auditioning with hundreds of hopefuls.
The film is based on the cult novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh.
About six hundred fans turned out to see the celebrities arrive in Glasgow for the premiere. Actor Robbie Coltrane and members of the group Wet Wet Wet were amongst the early arrivals. Damon Albarn from the group Blur, who contributed music for the final credits, also attended.
The film was also premiered in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, with ticket receipts of 25,000 pounds being donated to Calton Athletic recovery group, a Glasgow football team for reformed drug addicts.
Several team members feature in the film which is set in the 1980s.
The success of the film is already assured. It is the most eagerly awaited British film for years. Advance sales for the film have been at an unprecedented level. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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