A group of disaffected Scottish youths turn to heroin to escape the banalities of modern-day existence. Then, they begin to suffer the consequences and discover that there are no easy solutions to the inherent loneliness and pain of life.

Although set in Edinburgh, most interiors, and some of the exteriors, were shot in Glasgow. A notable exception is the chase down Princes Street.

Begbie:
Did you bring the cards?


Sick Boy:
What?


Begbie:
The cards, the last thing I told you was to mind the cards!


Sick Boy:
Well, I've not brought them.


Begbie:
It's fucking boring after a while without the cards.


Sick Boy:
I'm sorry.


Begbie:
Bit fucking late, like.


Sick Boy:
Why didn't *you* bring them?


Begbie:
'CAUSE I FUCKING TOLD YOU TO BRING THEM, YOU DOSS CUNT!


Sick Boy:
...Christ.

Continuity: Length of the ash on the joint that Renton and Dianne share after Renton visits Tommy.

Performed by Iggy Pop
Words and Music by Iggy Pop / David Bowie
Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd/EMI Virgin Music Ltd/Tintoretto Music
Administered by RZO Music
Courtesy of Virgin Records America Inc