Film Form Keypoints

• The film's use of handheld camera work and naturalistic performances contributed to its realism.
• Trainspotting largely follows a linear pattern, focusing on Renton's viewpoint. For example, the opening and closing sequence have Renton central (circular) and voiceover is narrated by him.
• In the intro, Renton is suspended in time during the freeze frames introducing him alongside the other characters, conveying their entrapment in their current situation
• In the outro, Renton walks towards the camera but becomes unfocused - showing he is finally free, but at the cost of his identity and individuality as he joins the mainstream.
• Despite dream sequences (cold turkey) and fantasy sequences (OD & worst toilet in Scotland), the film generally progresses linearly. The passage of time is indicated through music, beginning with Iggy Pop (70's) and ends with Underworld (mid 90's)
• The bulk of the setting is within bars and bedrooms. Renton escapes to London shows his attempts at maturing, although still ill-at-ease. Only in the final sequence does he show confidence, being at a transit point although having double-crossed his friends.
• Realism is dominant throughout Sightseers; the opening sequence is in sound realist style, handheld single camera in naturalistic locations, awkward flow of conversation between characters.
• Like Trainspotting, Sightseers follows a largely linear narrative, with a flashback to Poppy's death and the 2 dream sequences being the exceptions.
• The first dream sequence is Tina's which also serves as a montage for Chris' second murder, showing her awareness and acceptance of his psychotic nature.
• The second dream sequence is Chris' which foreshadows Tina's interaction with the police, reflecting his growing unease with Tina's empowerment.