I wasn't sure about 127 Hours. I knew the concept of this film was about a hiker who became trapped for 127 hours, while contemplating his fate and awaiting rescue. How can you possibly turn a 127 hour ordeal into an engaging film? Based on the incredible reviews, I gave this film a go. Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy did an exceptional job of keeping the tempo of this film up-beat from the beginning blood pumping sequence until the end. 127 Hours is based on a true story.
Aron Ralston (James Franco) is an outdoor adventure seeker. An engineer by day, he disappears into the canyons of Colorado on his weekends. Ralston is a risk taker, setting out on his latest adventure without telling anyone where he is going. His adventure begins with an extreme bike ride. As he is preparing to take on his latest challenge, he runs into a couple of lost hikers. He takes time out of his day to guide them back to their destination, leading them to a secret water hole hidden beneath a canyon crevice.
After swimming with the girls, Ralston continues on his journey. While descending through a narrow passageway, Ralston slips. His rapid descent dislodges a boulder that falls with him, trapping his right hand against the canyon wall. Ralston spends the next four days battling fatigue, limited food and water, disorientation and the elements. Ralston's experience as an engineer seems ideal, but his attempts to gain leverage against the rock fall short. He attempts to chip away, but only manages to further lodge the rock in place. Faced with the choice of losing his arm and losing his life, Ralston does the unthinkable.
The fact that 127 hours is based on a true story makes the film even more disturbing to watch. Beaufoy does an excellent job of using flashbacks and hallucinations to keep the pacing steady during the four day ordeal. But the struggle really centers on Ralston's battle against himself. He knows down deep that there is only one way out. He also realizes his time is short. Between losing his senses and running short on water, Ralston is forced to make tough decisions. The character development gives the film an intimacy that makes the events relevant. It is a very well written story that surprised me with strong pacing.
Franco was nominated for Best Actor for his role as Ralston in this film. Although he had little chance of winning in a crowded field of talented actors, his performance was certainly noteworthy. While there are bit parts outside of Franco's performance, they are minor roles. Franco did an excellent job of carrying this film, which is what the role required. He was deserving of the nomination.
There is only one reason (in my mind) that 127 Hours received an R rating from the MPAA. There is a scene near the end of the film that is graphically violent with a high gore factor. Self-mutilation is not an easy thing to watch. While there may have been some language issues in the soundtrack, and a tiny bit in the dialogue, this rating was about violence. It was a tough scene to watch. Enough so that it could cause nightmares. Tweens, teens and above should be fine.
127 Hours was an excellent film. I am glad I finally got to watch it. The acting was exceptional, the screenplay well written and the character development intimate. The soundtrack was a bit heavy metal for my taste, but fit with the story being told. We also get to meet the real Ralston at the end, which was a nice touch. Well worth Streaming if you can find it. 8/10.
