True stories are always an audience grabber. It’s funny, even though you know exactly how the thing ends, people always want to see the drama, the sinking or in this case the hacking! Aron Ralston might be a familiar name to some, but to others who may not be familiar with the name, let me jig your memory a bit. Ever here about a climber who hacked off his arm with a blunt, imitation multi-tool? Ok, while you may not have been up to speed on the amputation device, but you knew the story. And what a story this is!
In a nutshell (or maybe that should be a canyon) Aron Ralston is a climber and a bit of an adrenaline / extreme sports junkie. He wanders off on his own (as done on many occasions) and whilst clambering down a small canyon manages to end up with his arm well and truly wedged between a boulder and the canyon wall. He can’t get out, he has about enough food to feed a small mouse and enough water to quench the thirst of a fruit fly. So, and I’m not going into spoiler territory here (just in case someone’s knickers are about to twist) but after numerous attempts at trying to free his arm, which involve pulleys and a bit of stone masonry using a blunt knife, he has 2 options left. Option one is to kick the bucket and option two, well that involves hacking his arm off with a dodgy Chinese made, multi-tool. Now those of you familiar with the act of amputation will be aware that one needs a bit of a blade to slice through flesh and what not. And a saw may come in useful as well…you know..just to get through the bone. Well, Aron Rolsten doesn’t carry around the tool section of the local B&Q (or Home Depot for our American readers) so he plunges and hacks, and hacks, and hacks and drags and hacks (and so on) until he very ungracefully removes his arm from his body. From there, he does a bit of mountain climbing (again) and goes on a bit of an 8 mile hike before finally, being rescued.
Movies (true stories or otherwise) that rely on one actor to carry the entire movie are always walking (or climbing) a fine line. It either goes well or disastrously wrong. Thankfully, 127 Hours gets it right, although unlike another recent one man show, Buried, it involves a few flash backs, montages and premonitions. Danny Boyle has done a wonderful job here. From the beginning where various objects like water bottles and Swiss army knives are all entering your subconscious, Boyle constructs an engaging movie from beginning to end from a very basic story. While I did feel that there was about 1 or 2 montages too many, they don’t really add a great deal to the story. Sure, it’s Ralston reflecting on his somewhat self centred life, but to have cut a few minutes off the running time wouldn’t have derailed it, in my book anyway. That criticism aside, the pacing is frantic at times and the whole thing is wonderfully shot, and at times it really is a surreal viewing experience, helped in turn, by a must buy soundtrack.
While there are a number of relatively unknown actors filling the boots of girlfriends, friends and family, James Franco puts in a performance that certainly is nomination worthy at the very least. For quite a portion of the movie, Franco talks to his digital video camera, recounting regrets and more or less saying goodbye to his family. All is quite subtle, but for me, the TV show that he re-enacts is simply phenomenal. One of the scenes of the year. The “Ooops” part in particular is mind blowing! He is thoroughly believable as Aron Ralston and seems to be completely consumed by his role. And it’s funny how I got hooked into the whole thing. The character is so well played and draws you in so much, I felt guilty taking a sip of my large Coke and found myself to be drinking more when Ralston did on screen. I know it sounds bonkers, but I wasn’t the only person to be doing it either!
Now, I can’t put this review to bed without some mention of the scene which, just like the Titanic and the iceberg, you know is inevitable. Much hype has surrounded the arm scene. In particular reports of people fainting and being carried out of cinemas. Personally, I think there is more spin than truth to that, but regardless it is a pretty tough scene to watch. And when it starts (it’s teased about 20 minutes or so before) unless you are completely and utterly psychotic you will find yourself tense up and struggle to keep your eyes on the screen. The scene, while short, is lifted to a new level with the soundtrack. The tearing of muscle or nerves (I have no idea, who am I, House?) is accompanied by a grating, electronic sound that will stay embedded in your brain for some time! And the scene builds, and builds and builds until the hacking is no more and Ralston is free. To be honest, when he does break free, it’s feels a little bit of an anti climax. Maybe I was expecting fireworks or a huge celebratory score, but it left me feeling “Is that it?”. That aside, it is a fantastic scene that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, Danny Boyle has done it again and James Franco proves (again) he is a major force to be reckoned with! 127 Hours will certainly leave a mark and have you talking about what happened for days. It’s engaging, compelling, very entertaining and a definite watch!! Oh, and after you watch it, you will ALWAYS leave a note!
