Analysis of Trainspotting Narrative Resolution

In the ending scenes of Trainspotting, especially in the narrative resolutions of the characters of Renton and Tommy, is where the film goes the furthest in depth about it's ideological themes, and gives an answer to some of the questions that it asks, while still being vague so the audience can still apply their own meaning. For example, the film does not give a straight answer as to whether or not Renton is morally correct in taking the money, but regardless of the viewer's opinion, we can clearly see Renton's reasoning and justification for doing this. One way in which the film achieves this is by showing a clear opportunity for Renton to escape in the pub scene earlier in the film, while Begbie and the others are distracted by the fight that Begbie gets into with a complete stranger. There are uncomfortable close-ups on both Renton's face, with it being clear that the fight is escalating in the background, heightening the tension as we know how Begbie will react if Renton is caught running with the money, as well as close-ups of the bag. With each close-up of Renton we see he becomes more and more tempted by this opportunity presented to him tempting the audience as well; this shows many of the audience members that despite him leaving with the money at the end being a betrayal to his friends, most people would do the same as him in his situation and faced with that opportunity. 

The film's closing voiceover solidifies Renton's "justified betrayal" as it mirrors the voiceover from the opening of the film, with him now disagreeing with his previous nihilistic, self-destructive outlook on life, and beginning to take responsibility of his own life for the first time in the film. The events that transpired throughout the film, especially throughout the second half, caused him to change his outlook to this extent, with his philosophy on life at the end of the film being the complete opposite to his philosophy on life at the beginning. One reason that Renton changed for the better is the downfall of the character of Tommy. Tommy was the only successful person from Renton's group of friends, however, due to Renton's own actions, his relationship and subsequently his life fell apart, and he fell into heroin addiction. His downfall is so swift that it is hard for the audience to keep track of it or even acknowledge it before his death. With this, Renton realises how easy it is for his addiction to completely take control of his life and even kill him, and what he looks like to others around him outside of this lifestyle, such as his parents, who's disapproval of him is also a factor in his change at the end.