MOVIE REVIEW: 127 Hours (2010)

With 127 Hours, ladies and gentleman, I've officially seen all the Best Picture Nominees of 2010, and have seen all the Best Picture nominees for the...sixth year in a row. Sad? Or impressive? You be the judge (not that I really care all that much, haha). But in regards to the film, as simplistic (or repulsive) of a story from what you may already know, it packs an incredible dramatic punch. I never thought a film about a guy trapped in a canyon would be as thrilling as director Danny Boyle had made it out to be. While fascinating as it is, I doubt anyone who is faint of heart will find interest in it (especially the climax!). The more "disturbing" aspects of the film shouldn't really deter anyone, since it really is a one-of-a-kind work.

Based on a true story, young adventurer Aron Ralston is trekking the canyons of Utah, when a boulder sends him crashing down a deep trench, trapping his arm in the process. With no people in sight, one-half thermos of water, one camcorder, and one plier/knife. Aron realizes the gravity of his predicament. As he documents his state of mind on camera and begins to hallucinate under the stresses of pain and dehydration, the audience is treated to flashbacks of his life and vivid dream sequences that illustrate his frame of mind during the ordeal. Until eventually, he is forced to resort to drastic measures to survive, and escape...

This kind of film has "visceral" written all over it. I especially give Danny Boyle huge props for making such apt use of editing, sound, cinematography and music to express the myriad of thoughts going through Ralston's mind during the suffering. James Franco, as Ralston is excellent. I never really gave him much credit as an actor before, but the whole film is pretty much all about him, and he does an amazing job of conveying the inexplicable torture and despair that his character experiences. I wouldn't say that this is the kind of film anyone would really watch over and over again, but I admire the stellar work that has been done on this production. In the hands of someone else, it could easily have come off as too manufactured. The audience practically feels the same sense of desperation and ultimately relief after what Ralston goes through. Overall, Boyle has taken great pains to craft a story that stays with you, long after the credits roll.

9/10

Peace,
- Jon