Saturday, November 27, 2010

127 Hours (2010)


DIRECTOR: Danny Boyle. STARRING: James Franco. RATING: * * * 1/2 ( Three and 1/2 Stars) Director Danny Boyle's follow-up to his Academy Award winning Slumdog Millionaire has been awaiting us on the horizon with an almost freak show like buzz. If you have yet to hear about the climax of the film, you are in the minority. For those who have heard, I will say that there is more to this film than just that one moment. The film focuses on the true story of Aron Ralston, who's arm becomes trapped under a boulder while climbing in the canyons of Utah. It's an unbelievable portrait of survival and a man possibly in the last moments of his life. Ralston is portrayed by James Franco who delivers his personal best performance. With limited options for movement and scenery, Franco really does about everything he can to keep us caring about his situation. Some might not care for the style of Boyle's films (Trainspotting and the grossly underrated Sunshine), but here it seems to work. He has always found interest in what's going on in a persons mind. Whether it be a drug trip, paranoia, or in the case of 127 Hours: the realization of impending death. While Franco's performance is great and Boyle's style and direction just seem to fit, Ralston's story can only go so far on film. The reality of his situation and his unbelievable story completely overshadow the film really. Some viewers might grow restless when fifteen minutes into the film, the set is about to never change. Overall though, 127 Hours excites, thrills, and ultimately inspires. Considering it's location limitations, it proves to be one of the best bets currently in theaters.

No comments:

Post a Comment