Project Detail

Reality Is Not Enough

Synopsis

Revealing the inner world and outer life of Irvine Welsh, one of the most original and controversial writers of our times. Over four decades across novels, screenplays, and as a forthright, opinionated and outspoken media presence, the 'Trainspotting' author has both celebrated and defined contemporary society and culture, whilst simultaneously exposing all of their many flaws. In this intimate and personal documentary we meet the acclaimed writer at a crossroads, acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close, but still very much committed to new avenues of creativity and discovery.
On a book tour in Canada, Welsh chooses to explore the boundaries of consciousness by taking DMT at a Toronto drug therapy centre. The resulting hallucinogenic trip, illustrated within a kaleidoscopic imagined memory space, is interspersed with candid observational footage, cinematic archive, and novel excerpts to create a captivating piece of autobiographical cinema that gets to the beating heart of one of Scotland’s most vital creative voices.

Details

Year
2025
Type of film
Features
Running time
87 min
Format
2.39:1
Director
Paul Sng
Producer
Paul Sng
Executive Producer
Sarah Drummond, Kat Mansoor, Mark Thomas
Editor
Angela Slaven
Director of Photography
Robbie Jones
Principal cast
With contributions from: Irvine Welsh, Helen Behan, Nick Cave, Bret Easton Ellis, Stephen Graham, Liam Neeson, Ruth Negga, Maxine Peake

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Supported by Screen Scotland

Sales Company

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