Trainspotting, released in 1996 met its younger sibling this year in 2017, T2 Trainspotting 2.

I thought, given the 21 year age gap between the two, how interesting it would be to see the way the film tries to capture their new/old audience; given quite a number of them were yet to be born before the release of the original film.

Throughout I noticed a more lenient use of digital effects which lacked in the original, for example Spud’s signature air writing. Most predominantly though, I noticed the faster pace of the film, appealing to the shorter attention span (or hyper attention) of its new millennial audience. Watching the original Trainspotting with a friend, he thought it dull and lacking action, whereas the sequel had him enthralled. The combination of and inclusion of more action scenes and what seemed to be quicker cuts between shots had him not only intrigued but glued to the screen.

Although, it did pay homage to its predecessor with the inclusion of a second ‘choose life’ monologue as well as original footage woven throughout.

Just a small glimpse into how a film may appeal to a new, younger audience as well as trying to maintain their cult classic fanatics.