MovieChat Forums > Trainspotting (1996) Discussion > Best deterrant? Trainspotting, Requiem f...

Best deterrant? Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream or others?

posted 15 years ago by cara-macdonald
99 replies | jump to latest

Just wondering - what film would you show someone to put them off drugs for life?

For me I'd have to say Requiem. While I love Trainspotting and don't think it glamorises drug use in any way I think it shows a bit more of the 'fun' elements of drug culture.

I seriously think an edited Requiem should be played to older school kids - would have more impact than all the 'drugs are bad' videos I sat through for sure.

Any other suggestions . . . ?

[–] carlburger 14 years ago

Ummmm... Ok, so I just skimmed the replies. But I couldnt see anyone mentioning

Fear And Loathing in Las Vegas.

I know it's a helluva entertaining film, much in the same way as Trainspotting is... But you cant say they have a very good time. Benicio del Toro's character waving a big nasty knife around, determined to kill himself in the tub for instance. I mean, it's not a pretty life it's depicting. I love the movie to death- but I sure as hell would call it deterrant.

[–] KaanVonSchlippdong 14 years ago

Hated Requiem as a movie, so can't comment objectively on that as deterrent. But in middle school (in Israel) I was at a program that trained kids to teach their peers about drugs and we were shown the Basketball Diaries.

[–] Winter_Wonder 13 years ago

Teens should watch The Basketball Diaries and adults should watch either Requiem For a Dream or Candy.

[–] AshleyReidxx 14 years ago

I agree with you 100% on all terms. I think Requiem would definitely have a bigger impact over Trainspotting...I'm not sure if Transpotting would work all that well.

And I've also thought, in the past, that perhaps Requiem should be shown in schools or something. To this day the most emotionally draining and depressing movie I've seen.

I am Jack's smirking revenge.

[–] ztpt 14 years ago

Trainspotting actually made Heroin "cool" again for a while in certain scenes..as for Requiem..that *beep* was just too pretentious..

[–] launlori 14 years ago

For me it's Requiem ... That movie freaked me out but not enough to quit drugs.

Some people can do drugs in moderation .. It's the addicted jerks who screw up recreation for everyone else.

Trainspotting is a great movie but not a "Deterrent"

Kelly: I'm under Evelyn Waugh.
Charlotte: Evelyn Waugh was a man.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] lahlah4532 14 years ago

LaunLori, may I ask what drugs you are referring to? Because if you think people can do heroine moderately, you a pretty ignorant.

Also, people don't choose to be addicted to drugs. Well, they obviously choose to do drugs but not become addicted. With hard drugs like heroine, you can become addicted after one fix. It isn't a matter of some people just 'over doing it.' It has everything to do with an individual's mental and physical state.

I'm not against all drugs, but statements like that make me cringe.

And mind saying what is so terrible about Requiem? Disagreeing with its over-the-top statement, fine--however, it had beautiful cinematography, regardless.

As for which would be better as a deterrent, well, I would definitely say Requiem. I don't think Trainspotters was as in-your-face as Requiem was.

[–] Fojos 13 years ago

You're a moron. Thanks. Of course they can do it moderately, just like people are able to use alcohol moderately. You're just someone who's fallen prey to the propaganda of the government and teachers.

Anyone can easily become addicted to something, but most people don't have minds that are so weak.

If it was so much more addicting than other drugs, we wouldn't be using it in medicine.

[–] Six-Shooter 14 years ago

I really liked Trainspotting but I loved Requiem For A Dream. You don't even have to show them all of it. Just the part where Marlon Wayans is screaming for help from the jail cell.

The knack to flying lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.

[–] JawsFace 14 years ago

spun and fear and loathing come to mind. altho there about diff drugs those actually gloreified drugs. heroin is just so unapealling

[–] polos_are_minty 13 years ago

Trainspotting shouldn't be viewed as a deterrent. It is not a film made to glorify or attack drugs. It is quite simply just a film about them, made from a neutral view point.