We had the trailer for Reality is Not Enough recently; it was for a documentary about Irvine Welsh. He is an author, best known for writing Trainspotting.
This new documentary is written and directed by Paul Sng, a new name to me, but he has an impressive list of other documentaries to his name. Reality is Not Enough is described as:
A dynamic portrait of Scottish writer Irvine Welsh explores his creative journey through DJing, drug experiences, and literary work, offering intimate insights into the controversial author’s multifaceted world.
Welsh is certainly an interesting man. He has a wonderfully creative mind, but is also very down-to-earth. He has rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood elite, but is just as happy in his local pub. Although he’s a millionaire, he still makes his mates pay for the occasional pint.
Welsh
AS I said, Welsh is a prolific writer, best known for Trainspotting, but also known for novels like Marabou Stork Nightmares, Filth, Porno, The Bedroom Secrets of Master Chefs, Skagboys, and Dead Men’s Trousers. That’s just a few, as it doesn’t include his short stories and screenplays for the screen and theatre.
Now that he’s in his 60s, the documentary deals with him getting older and dealing with reality. He travels to the US to try to expand his mind a little more, all while talking about where he came from and where his novels come from.
Welsh likes the anti-hero character, based more in reality, and talks about the protagonists in Trainspotting, who are all a bit of self-reflection. I don’t mind Renton, but Begbie is a bit of a worry!
Overall
There isn’t much to delve into with Reality is Not Enough. Even if you aren’t a fan of Welsh, you will still find this interesting, I know I did. I’ve not read any of his books, but I know of Trainspotting and I’ve seen Filth.
I know Danny Boyle had a big hand in making Trainspotting the phenomenon it was, but Welsh’s writing is outstanding. The characters he created, with the story that was told, it was an incredible piece of work.
Seeing Welsh talk about that, his love of music, and the rest of his life is fascinating. I know this review is short and sweet, but there isn’t really a story to tell, as such. It’s just an interesting documentary about an interesting man.
Irvine Welsh: Reality is Not Enough will be out in UK cinemas on the 26th of September, and digitally later in the year.
