[Review] 127 Hours - 28th January 2011

★★★★★★ - Worth Watching [For rating system, see information tab at top of blog]
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Release Date: 7th January 2011
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Director: Danny Boyle
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Writers: Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy (Screenplay) Aron Ralston (Novel)
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Cast: James Franco 

Review

‘127 Hours’ has been one of the most anticipated films of the year. After ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ in 2008, it was difficult to imagine what Danny Boyle was going to produce that wouldn’t be considered a huge disappointment – he came up with ‘127 Hours’, and once more he has proven himself a diverse, imaginative director.

‘127 Hours’ is a film focused on a character driven narrative based on a startling true story. Aaron Ralston, the subject of the film was an extreme sports fanatic who became a motivational speaker after a startling rock climbing incident that forced him to amputate his own arm. Ralston, played by James Franco in the motion picture, wrote a novel about his accident entitled ‘Caught between a rock and a hard place’  - on which the screenplay of the film was based.

Though Ralston himself had a large input in the film, it is obvious that Danny Boyle is in creative control. His unique directional style shows throughout the film – various flashbacks, obscure close ups, unique camera positioning and connective ‘scientific’ sequences are viewed throughout the film; Danny Boyle’s unique style of direction was excellent, and perfectly chosen for this type of film.

The film adheres very closely to the reality of Aaron Ralston’s experience, much of it being told via a hand held camera as Ralston narrates his feelings, emotions and thoughts. This, in combination with Boyle’s unique directional styles gives the film a much more three dimensional perspective, and allows the audience to directly connect with the character, something that is very important with this genre.

In addition as the film is primarily based on one character, the casting of that role was vitally important. In ‘127 Hours’ James Franco was chosen, and he produced a fantastic performance that earned him his first academy award nomination. His portrayal of Aaron Ralston, explored the deep emotions of  panic, desperation and delirium resulting in, as Ralston himself stated, a very accurate portrayal of his actions and behaviour.

‘127 Hours’ – an inspirational, moving and entertaining film that will be remembered as one of the best single character driven film in recent years.