7. Choose Life – Trainspotting
The scene:
Danny Boyle’s 1996 classic Trainspotting opens with an unforgettable piece of narration. Ewan McGregor’s Renton recites a monologue about the futility of the average person’s existence, explaining why he has instead chosen to life his life immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene. It’s a lightly comic montage of Renton’s day-to-day life, playing out over his cynical explanation of why he fully intends to embrace his addiction.
The song: “Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” is the perfect song for the scene. The snappy drum beat kicks in as Renton sprints down a busy street, with the song’s life-affirming punk message both fitting and seemingly at odds with Renton’s ideals. It’s a needle drop moment that highlights how anything can seem positive when viewed through the correct lens, and perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the film.