Film Reviews

127 Hours

• Rating:
• Director: Danny Boyle
• Starring: James Franco
• Details: US/93mins 15A

Plodding similar ground to underrated Ryan Reynolds starrer, Buried, 127 Hours is drawing more awards attention on the basis that its director only recently picked up a gong for Slumdog Millionaire. That's not to belittle this incredible true story of one man's resilience in the face of impending death - 127 Hours is a cracking film. An ostensibly simple production it is certainly impressively assembled, but the main argument in favour of parting with your ten quid to see it has to be James Franco.
Franco is outdoorsy sort, Aron Ralston. He lives for his weekends of exploring; climbing, running, cycling - as long as it involves a camelback he's there with figurative bells on. One particular Saturday Aron heads off to partake in the normal solitary shenanigans, failing to tell anyone where he's going. Bumping into a couple of hot hikers, he happily showcases his skills as a guide, has a bit of craic and is then on his merry way. But soon after leaving them he slips down a crevasse and finds his arm stuck under a heavy boulder. No matter how much he struggles he can't pull away.
The whole man-alone-for-the-majority-of the-running-time shtick has been done before - well, and more than once. It's the fact that 127 Hours is a true story that makes the central premise a more worthy experience. The majority of the work was done for Boyle, story wise at least, even before a camera rolled. He goes go down the David Fincher route of getting of cramming all the style he can before the crux of the film - which is essentially Franco and rock. But it never feels gratuitously stylistic, and that's a testament to his ability as a director.
If you didn't already hear about this guy, the fact that he was alone when all this happened and a film got made of his experience should be a giveaway to the eventual outcome. The point isn't will he or won't he get out of this painful predicament, but more what he goes through in the midst of it. Boyle wants you to put yourself in Aron's position, to question if you'd have the strength to not just do what he does, but simply stay sane for that long on minimal water and no food.
The casting of Ralston was obviously the most imperative part of the entire production. Franco doesn't just have to be in peril; he needs to go through a wide range of emotions - including conveying the care-free soul we first meet. He is superb; a likeable life rogue who gives the flashbacks instant depth with a longing look, or still moment. He is fast becoming the Paul Newman of his generation; movie star looks and charisma with a clear respect for the art of filmmaking.
A sometimes painful to watch, but generally very good film, with another brilliant James Franco performance.

Review by Mike Sheridan