T2 Trainspotting: Screenplay by John Hodge

by John Hodge (writer)

First there is an opportunity, then there is a betrayal. Twenty years have gone by. Much has changed but just as much remains the same. Mark Renton returns to the only place he can ever call home. They are waiting for him, of Spud, Sick Boy, and Frank Begbie. But they are not alone. Other old friends are waiting sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, friendship, love, longing, fear, regret, diamorphine, self-destruction and mortal danger, they are all lined up to welcome him, ready to join the dance. Mark Renton returns, to the chaos of life and death.

Genres: Film

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2017

Reviews

[Flapper72 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read train spotting after I'd seen the film when I was at uni. I completely understand that it was a pivotal part of the early '90s and its social history. I then read the book and remember it being written in a 'Scottish Accent' but that's about all I really recall of the book. I don't usually do book and film; I usually do 'either or' so its' unusual that I did both. Anyway, Trainspotting two - all the no hopers in middle aged. I can't explain how much I hated this book. Chapters were written by various characters - some were very difficult to read. I felt I was almost forced to read the Scottish chapters out loud to understand what was being said. The upside of that was that it slowed my reading down and I was forced to assimilate all the information. This was actually relatively tiring for me though - I hadn't quite realised how much skim reading I do when I'm reading a more conventionally written novel. There were then chapters written by characters who had less strong West Coast accents; they were much more comfortable to read and more relaxing. Generally, they were written by women and more successful male characters. I will go back to the 'scottish slang' chapters because I can't explain how much I hated them. I hated everything about the content; language was appalling (as in swearing), objectification of women, foul referrals to sex in all its faces and not always consensual, level of physical violence, extreme use of drugs and specifically coke and the way it ruled everyone's lives and the hard, hateful, despicable characters. I don't like to use this word yet again but I hated them. I hate that anyone can write like that about women, about sex, about other human beings. It appalled me and made me feel physically sick. So you ask me, 'Why did you read it'. I started the book and then put it aside after a couple of chapters before picking it up to give it another go and then I just kept going. I say I hated the book. I hated what was created, I hated those characters, I hated what they represented of the under classes in a deprived area in our country where I have a home over my head and a supportive family. So perhaps I hated the book because it was so well written? I like to push and challenge myself with the books I read. This definitely did that. I hated what I read about although am not sure if that means that I, necessarily, hated the book.

[Michael Legge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shame he dies in the end.

[Margreet Heer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really impressed by the brilliant way the original writings ('Trainspotting' and 'Porno' by Irvine Welsh) were adapted for the screen in this script. Worth studying for aspiring screenwriters.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite recent films and my new 'all-time favourite sequel' and after watching it a couple of times already I couldn't get enough so it was off to read the script; trim and tight this is close to what appears in the movie, one or two minor details are given more of a 'show don't tell' filmed version but it's all here and in mostly the same manner and order. The film was brilliant for many reasons - returning director and cast putting in great work of course - but the script certainly shines.

[MelonFarmer89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic screenplay, arguably more hard-hitting than the movie itself. While there are some scenes that were rightfully cut in here and it doesn't quite end as strongly as it starts, it really is a masterclass of a story, rich characters, great dialogue and a wise, witty and moving portrayal of working class outcasts who are endearing as they are ugly, all beautifully told.

[Sgossard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will do nicely if you can't watch the movie right now and can't wait anymore for the next hit. Ideal for your purposes. Slow release. Bring you down gradually. Custom fucking designed for your needs.