I’m sure most know this movie just by its disturbing arm amputation scene alone, but it also has a strong lead performance by James Franco and swift directing by Danny Boyle. Aron Ralston’s brutal true story of survival provides a unique movie that delivers a powerful message.
Sometimes you get stuck between a rock and a hard place, but for Aron Ralston (Oscar nominee James Franco) you get stuck between a rock…and another rock. With the decision to go biking through the Utah wastelands and diving in the cleansing canyon springs, it sounds like another marvelous day for adventure. Aron then comes across two inexperienced hikers, Kirsti and Megan, and offers his knowledge of the land to show them a good time. After swimming inside canyons the two ladies bid Aron a farewell and now Aron, all by himself, left to explore Blue John Canyon. I’m sure you can imagine what happens next.
The rest of the movie now takes place inside the claustrophobic squeeze within the canyon with a boulder wedging Aron’s arm against the impenetrable walls. Equipped with a video camera, a limited amount of water, and a dull knife, Aron must decide if he will meet his death or break free. The hallucinations of his family and memories of his friends are what ultimately drive Aron to snap his way free and continue a painful trek to the closet source of civilization. Aron faces his situation head on and the arrogant “I can do anything” attitude mixed with recklessness alter into an emotional and painful fashion with the hope of reuniting with his family.
With the past successes of Danny Boyle there were some high expectations for this film and they were all met. The beginning of the movie is up-tempo with quick cuts and exciting music (composed by A.R. Rahman) along with great actions shots of intense biking and the beautiful Utah desert.Danny Boyle showed every struggle Aron faced including heavy rains, drinking his own urine and of course the amputation that was done all in one gruesome take.
To film almost the entire movie inside the walls of a canyon may seem boring to some because there is no change of scenery or characters. Luckily there are multiple scenes to remedy that issue, especially the memorable arm removal scene. Many flashbacks occur during Aron’s imprisonment to show the audience the loving family that he has and to help provide motivation for escape. James Franco does an exceptional job filling practically all the screen time and keeping the audience interested with humorous conversations to himself and some horrific attempts to stay alive.
James Franco and Danny Boyle actually had the opportunity to view the videos that Aron made to his family while being stranded. The videos made in the movie are portrayed extremely accurately and it gives off the actual mood that Aron was in when he was facing his almost death. Those were the specific scenes in which Franco showed off his dramatic side and it got him a well-deserved Oscar nomination.
Even though you probably know the outcome of the movie, that’s not a good reason for you to exclude this off your “to watch” list. It’s the events that occur during the story that make this one of the best movies of 2010.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
On the Blu-ray release of 127 Hours you can expect to find the double disc special that includes a digital copy. The high definition cranks the beauty out of the majestic Utah desert and is well worth the price. Like most movies the DVD/Blu-ray release includes a commentary by the cast and crew, and with that, you will also find a one-on-one interview with director Danny Boyle and James Franco. A search and rescue segment that has actual events that occurred to rescue Aron is interesting to watch after viewing the treacherous quest for society in the film.
"127 Hours" is on sale March 1, 2011 and is rated R. Drama. Directed by Danny Boyle. Written by Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy. Starring James Franco.
