127 Hours



This film is based on a novel written by Aron Ralston who is the main character of this film.  It chronicles his experience in the desert on a weekend in 2003.  On what was expected to be a routine hike in the Utah wilderness, Aron, played by James Franco, falls into a small crevasse and a boulder traps his arm solidly against the rock wall.  he is trapped there for 127 hours before he finally takes drastic measures in order to break free and save his life. 

This is a story that is both dramatic and inspiring.  The recognizable Danny Boyle Style of directing is clear in this film.  The split-screen multiple pictures thing pops up several times.  the real genius in the making of this film is in how all of your senses are engaged.  The colors are all vibrant and almost palpable, you can almost feel the texture of the rocks as Aron hikes through the desert.  All of the sounds are larger than life and there are even a few scenes where you can almost smell and taste what Aron is experiencing.  The music in this film is also notable.  It ads to the tone of the film but does not distract from it.  This is a close intimate experience with a single character as he experiences a life-defining encounter.  The viewer gets to know Aron very well and becomes truly invested in his welfare.

This film has essentially one character and one set the whole time.  This film does a good job of not letting the viewer get bored with either.  Every detail of the set is engaged as Aron progresses through a self-examination process that is inevitable if he is to survive this experience physically, emotionally or mentally.  Although I think this film handles the single character the best that it possibly can, there still are some confusions about Aron's thoughts and motivations. 

Entertainment- 7-  I hesitate to call it entertaining because so much of it is difficult to watch, but the directing makes it visually impressive as well as being engaging and inspiring.

Award-Worthy-  6.  While I felt this film was magic at the start, it did lose a little steam and lustre later in the film from an artistic standpoint, but still a beautiful film.