Irvine Welsh fails to make cut for role in his own movie

Published on Thursday 20 October 2011 12:30

HIS last appearance on film saw him playing a small-time drug dealer, so it would seem the perfect balance to play an anti-drugs campaigner.

But Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh has been denied the chance to even out his on-screen personas – after being dropped from a role in his own movie.

The writer had been set to make a cameo appearance in the new film adaptation of his book Ecstasy.

He flew to Canada last year to film his part as an anti-drugs campaigner in the romantic comedy.

However, the scene has now been cut from the final version of the film, which is set to be released early next year.

Director Rob Heydon took the brave decision to edit out Edinburgh-born Welsh’s appearance while making finishing touches to the film, which is called Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy.

Despite the snub, Welsh, 53, said he was delighted with the job the Canadian filmmaker had done in transferring his book to the big screen.

He said: “I think he’s done a fantastic job and it has exceeded my expectations. He has got really strong performances from the actors.”

The author even admitted he accepted he wasn’t quite right for the film.

“I don’t think young people want to see old people like me sleazing around in a film,” he said. “They want to see people their own ages.

“It was very emotional for me to watch it – it was like stepping back in time for me. I have very high hopes for the film.”

A source said: “Rob had filmed a lot of scenes and has been cutting the film down to an appropriate running time over the last few months.

“Irvine’s cameo was great. He did a good job but it was felt that it wasn’t crucial to the story to include the scene.

“There are no hard feelings about it. They are still great mates and are excited about the film coming out.”

The forthcoming £3 million flick was filmed in Canada and Scotland.

It is tipped to be a smash hit with audiences, just like Welsh’s Trainspotting more than 14 years ago.

The collection Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance revolves around a woman who leaves her husband and throws herself into the 1990s rave scene. It stars Kristin Kreuk as Heather Thompson, alongside Lord of the Rings favourite Billy Boyd and hotly-tipped fellow Scot Adam Sinclair.

Welsh, who now lives in Chicago, described the film as a cross between “Trainspotting and Titanic”.

He added: “I think it will work as a romantic comedy because people are ready for a different type of rom-com.

“I think people are fed up with all that Sex and the City stuff with people in their forties getting it on. They want to see people of their own generation.”

The novelist made a memorable cameo appearance in Trainspotting as small-time drug dealer Mikey Forrester.

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The Genuine Mario Antionette

Friday, October 21, 2011 at 01:14 AM

From the pose, looks like he might be better suited to playing a villian in a Bond movie. I'd like to see him screen tested stroking a pussy.

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Mackie

Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 08:05 PM

Will do Al !! Take it you cant wait then... Lol

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amcdougald

Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 06:09 PM

Listen out for Edinburgh's popular folk band, Yard Of Ale, on the soundtrack playing "The Wild Mountain Thyme".

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Feeno

Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 04:10 PM

Hurry up and get Filth made ya hibby ****

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