127 Hours

It is May 2003. Adventurer Aron Ralson goes on a weekend trip down to Bluejohn Canyon, Utah. He has done this a thousand times before, he knows the land. But one mistake; a misplaced foot, a small fall, a loose rock and Aron's life instantly changes. Aron's right arm gets lodged between the loose rock and the wall of the canyon. He is stuck. With no hope of rescue, a lack of food and water, and hours and hours in the desert Aron has to make an extremely courageous decision to survive.

Based on the incredible true story, 127 Hours stars James Franco as Aron. Franco gives a captivating performance, which is a strong credit as the film basically only features Franco and without this Oscar nominated performance, the film would have failed. Bold British director Danny Boyle, handles the film with an electrifying intensity. Boyle's passion for storytelling is evident by the sheer fact of deciding to direct such a challenging film. Imagine a film crew, director, cameramen, gaffers etc, etc, filming between two rocks and a bit of earth.

The script is emotionally engaging, it does not rely on heavily detailed flashbacks to keep the film interesting but instead incorporates dreamy, quick-edited memory and dream sequences sparked by Aron's self consciousness as a result of his desperate circumstance. These sequences are a reflection of his life. Guilt. Regrets. Dreams. And hopes.

The music by Academy Award winning composer A R Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) is sublime. The soundtrack is the key factor in creating the films emotional impact. The overall sound of the film is amazing, the piercing ringing used in the crisis point creates a long lasting affect. The cinematography is beautiful, the talented work of the cameramen are daring, having to work in a confined space as well as being in close proximity to the actor. Editing of the film is top notch, creating pace, tension and an interesting look with the device of splitting the screen in thirds throughout some of the film.

Danny Boyle brings us another noteworthy film for our generation, and is perhaps a tough contender for Best Picture at this years Academy Awards.

4.5/5