Film: 127 Hours
Starring: James Franco (Milk and Pineapple Express)
U.S. Release: 2010 (rated R)
Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting)
Genre: Drama
Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes
While at the Philadelphia Film Festival in late October, I was able to view an advanced screening of 127 Hours on the event's closing night. The acclaimed director, Danny Boyle, was the overwhelming winner at the 2008 Oscars with his beautiful love story, Slumdog Millionaire. In his first release since 2008, Boyle hopes to strike gold at this year's awards ceremony with his real-life interpretation of Aron Ralston's story. Ralston (played by James Franco) is an outdoor enthusiast who was trapped for nearly 6 days in a canyon in Utah. His arm was lodged between a fallen boulder and the canyon itself. After running out of food and water, Ralston went to outrageous lengths in order to survive the ordeal.
It's difficult to base an entire film around a stationary main character. Boyle recognizes the lack of interest an audience has in seeing the same setting over and over again. In order to keep the film progressing, Boyle does a fantastic job using flashbacks to humanize Ralston's (Franco) character. During the course of the movie, we slowly begin to understand the man behind the predicament. There's countless aspects of irony we see throughout 127 Hours. The adventurous and always on-the-go Ralston finds himself incapable of moving. Also, Aron has spent his entire life independent and distant from his family and other intimate relationships. Yet, he ultimately ends up desperate for the help and aid of others.
Throughout his physical struggles and limitations, what Boyle does so beautifully is introduce the viewer to Aron's emotional turmoil. Has Ralston's actions inevitably led him to this horrific fate? And if so, how can he change for the better? James Franco is unforgettable as Ralston. He's so believable and charismatic, that you can't help but get emotionally invested in the film. Franco has us relive his mistakes and regrets alongside him. Yet more importantly, we get to see his transformation and rebirth. Although the credits role shortly after his escape from the canyon, we are relieved knowing that this time around Aron's going to lead a much more fulfilling life.
Rumors have flooded the Internet about the official 127 Hours premier on Halloween night. Reports have been saying that a few people had to exit the theatre and someone even vomited in the aisle. I won't exaggerate it, the culminating scene where Aron Ralston frees himself from the boulder is extremely graphic, but essential. You can see the insanity in Franco's eyes. The "now or never" realization that he's forced to accept. It's quite prolific.
Starring: James Franco (Milk and Pineapple Express)
U.S. Release: 2010 (rated R)
Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting)
Genre: Drama
Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes
While at the Philadelphia Film Festival in late October, I was able to view an advanced screening of 127 Hours on the event's closing night. The acclaimed director, Danny Boyle, was the overwhelming winner at the 2008 Oscars with his beautiful love story, Slumdog Millionaire. In his first release since 2008, Boyle hopes to strike gold at this year's awards ceremony with his real-life interpretation of Aron Ralston's story. Ralston (played by James Franco) is an outdoor enthusiast who was trapped for nearly 6 days in a canyon in Utah. His arm was lodged between a fallen boulder and the canyon itself. After running out of food and water, Ralston went to outrageous lengths in order to survive the ordeal.
It's difficult to base an entire film around a stationary main character. Boyle recognizes the lack of interest an audience has in seeing the same setting over and over again. In order to keep the film progressing, Boyle does a fantastic job using flashbacks to humanize Ralston's (Franco) character. During the course of the movie, we slowly begin to understand the man behind the predicament. There's countless aspects of irony we see throughout 127 Hours. The adventurous and always on-the-go Ralston finds himself incapable of moving. Also, Aron has spent his entire life independent and distant from his family and other intimate relationships. Yet, he ultimately ends up desperate for the help and aid of others.
Throughout his physical struggles and limitations, what Boyle does so beautifully is introduce the viewer to Aron's emotional turmoil. Has Ralston's actions inevitably led him to this horrific fate? And if so, how can he change for the better? James Franco is unforgettable as Ralston. He's so believable and charismatic, that you can't help but get emotionally invested in the film. Franco has us relive his mistakes and regrets alongside him. Yet more importantly, we get to see his transformation and rebirth. Although the credits role shortly after his escape from the canyon, we are relieved knowing that this time around Aron's going to lead a much more fulfilling life.
Rumors have flooded the Internet about the official 127 Hours premier on Halloween night. Reports have been saying that a few people had to exit the theatre and someone even vomited in the aisle. I won't exaggerate it, the culminating scene where Aron Ralston frees himself from the boulder is extremely graphic, but essential. You can see the insanity in Franco's eyes. The "now or never" realization that he's forced to accept. It's quite prolific.
There are countless guarantees you should expect from a Danny Boyle film. You're sure to experience vivid imagery, colorful scenery, a memorable score, and raw emotion from his characters. Franco certainly delivers, and he's currently my front runner for Best Actor in a Leading Role this year. Such a performance will undoubtedly propel Franco among the elite in Hollywood. Do yourself a favor and get to theatres this
weekend to see a fantastic film and an even greater portrayal of survival.
Watch 127 Hours if you enjoyed: Into The Wild. Both films portray excellent tales of survival, yet 127 Hours is much more memorable.
Stars: 3.5 stars out of 4
Grade: A-
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