127 Hours

127 Hours (2010)
Directed by Danny Boyle
Length: 94 minutes
Rated R for language and some disturbing violent content/bloody images






Okay, let's get this out of the way. The arm scene is pretty gruesome and difficult to watch. For those of you who happen to be living under a rock (insert tongue in cheek), 127 Hours is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, an adventurous outdoors enthusiast with a panache for escaping both people and society. In 2003, Ralston was canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah, when a large boulder fell and lodged Ralston's arm between a literal rock and a hard place, trapping him alone in the desert with little food and water. After several days attempting to move the boulder, Ralston was forced to take dramatic efforts in order to survive - breaking and severing his own arm with nothing more than a dull knife. Once free, Ralston found his way to safety and survived the dramatic event.

Portraying Ralston onscreen is heartthrob James Franco (Eat Pray Love, Your Highness). Delivering a performance that will surely net Franco the distinct honor of not only co-hosting the 2011 Academy Awards but also a Best Actor nomination, Franco perfectly captures the essence of a man attempting to maintain his sanity in the face of death while accepting the inevitable fate that awaits. Making a film that essentially stars one character can be a difficult prospect, but Franco nails the role perfectly. Several scenes involving Ralston and his camcorder cement the brilliance of this young actor, particularly a scene in which Ralston "hosts" a morning talk show featuring several different Ralstons reflecting on his predicament. In an almost "Gollum-like" fashion Franco portrays several different personalities/characters at one time before ending with a tear-jerker lament to Ralston's mother and father.

Director Danny Boyle has built a reputation as one of the most unique and stylized directors in Hollywood. No matter the genre or content, you can always tell when you are watching a Boyle film as he melds frantic camerawork with resplendent scenery. Boyle's beautiful camerawork illustrates the reasons Ralston desires to escape the troubles of family and society with shots of majestic mountains, sunlight running down a canyon, and clear blue skies. Additionally, few directors could handle the amputation, a graphic yet important scene, with the right balance of gore and tastefulness like Boyle does. Make no mistake, watching someone break and then sever their own arm is difficult, no matter how "strong" of a stomach you have. Several cases have reported people fainting or vomiting during the key scene.

While 127 Hours will not surpass films such as Inception or The Social Network for the distinction of best picture of 2010, Danny Boyle once again delivers. 127 Hours is a beautiful yet horrifying take on a triumphant true story. Combined with the best performance of James Franco's young career, do not be surprised to see 127 Hours represented in several Oscar categories this February. Be sure not to miss this amazing film; just don't forget to bring your doggy-bag if you get queasy!

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Don't really have a quote, but I'll go with the lesson I learned from the movie. Never buy the cheap multi-tool. Always splurge on the high quality Swiss Army Knife.

Oscar Nominations:
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Original Score
Best Original Song - "If I Rise" by A.R. Rahman, Dido, and Rollo Armstrong
Best Motion Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role - James Franco
Best Adapted Screenplay