SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

New spin on opening sequence of Trainspotting takes off online

A young Scottish freerunner has reinterpreted the iconic opening scene of Danny Boyle's adaptation of 'Trainspotting'.

Robbie Griffith
Aerodynamic: Robbie Griffith. Source: Facebook/Robbie Griffith

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS News


Skip to article content

"Choose life. Choose a sport. Choose an interest," Robbie Griffith narrates over the top of vision of himself sprinting, ducking and diving down the streets of Edinburgh to Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life".

The 16-year-old's video, which has now clocked up almost a million views online, sounds and looks familiar because it is.

The star of this unique take on the opening scene of "Trainspotting" has given it a twist - or five - of his own to showcase Edinburgh and champion Parkour - a sport he thinks is given a bad rap.

"I hope it helps Parkour grow to a bigger audience and it helps people recognise it so they don't think it's just hoodlums hanging about on street corners," Griffith told the BBC.

"A lot of people think when we are out at Parkour parks that we are loitering when we are actually training and exercising," he said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Echoing Irvine Welsh's narrator Renton - albeit in a somewhat less gritty manner - Griffith communicates the skill and physicality of Parkour, before the video cuts to a final positive message that reads: "Choose Parkour".

"And why wouldn't I want to do a thing like that?" Griffith asks.

See the Trainspotting version below:


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world