127 Hours

127 Hours

The Oscars approach and I am in a frantic marathon to get in all the Oscar nominations so I can make an educated prediction.  127 hours is a movie I had to force myself to go see.  Nothing about this movie seemed appealing to me.  The story of Aron Ralston (played by James Franco) was a sensational news story back in 2003.   The recounting of a trapped hiker who had to cut off his own arm to survive was a riveting news story, but I didn’t think it would be a story that would be movie worthy.  I think it would be more of a Travel Channel special. 

            The problem with these types of movies is that first and foremost, being a news story, we already know how the movie is going to end.  How can there be any suspense. Secondly, the subject matter seemed a little morbid (not to mention gorey).  Lastly, I couldn’t imagine being engaged in a movie that is basically 2 ½ hours of a man with his arm trapped between a rock and a hard place…literally.

            This movie proves what a capable and competent director can do.  Danny Boyle, the visionary that gave us ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ 2 years ago gives us 127 hours.  This is a totally different genre of film, but equally impressive. Not only that, but Boyle takes a C-list actor (forgive me James Franco, but you will always be Spiderman’s buddy to me) and pulls an Oscar caliber performance out of him.  This was a low budget film that did little at the box office, but it has come on strong at Oscar time.  I will make a bold prediction and state that James Franco will not win the Oscar, but this is a case where it truly is an honor to be nominated.  This performance is the highlight of Franco’s undistinguished career (his last role was a recent stint on General Hospital).  This will at least upgrade him to B-list with an A-list performance.

            Now the movie; the title 127 hours, refers to the amount of time Aron Ralston spent with his arm trapped in behind a rock.  90% of the movie is the camera focused on him and the emotional rollercoaster and physical collapse he goes through while trapped.  I know you are probably thinking what I was thinking; “How can this hold my attention for 2 hours?”  Well, Boyle pulls it off.  He takes us on a cinematic journey that explores the depths of the human mind in crises.  Believe it or not, the movie becomes more interesting as it progresses.  After the 3^rd day, Aron starts to hallucinate and we go along for the ride.  Many times, like Aron, we can’t tell when he is in reality, dreaming, or hallucinating.  We journey with him as his mind goes to places that are important to him.  Some places that he didn’t even realize were important.  Family, lost love, light beer?????  Every day, when the sun shines directly into the crevice for 15 minutes, it is almost like a religious experience.  The whole time he is trying to chisel away at the rock with a dull climbing tool.  Deep down he knows it is a futile effort, but what else can he do?

            Danny Boyle as a unique style of shooting movies that worked well with this movie.  His choice of music is eccentric, but works beautifully.  The camera shots are tight on James Franco.  It turns out that Danny Boyle made an inspired choice with James Franco as Franco has arguably the most expressive eyes out in films today.  His eyes and facial expressions are able to communicate more than any of the dialogue (technically monologue) can.  This movie is akin to a one-man, one-act Broadway show where he is, for all intents and purpose, the only actor in the film.  I reiterate that 90% of this film is a camera trained on Franco and it works.  Danny Boyle should be saluted as he proves that a gifted story teller can make compelling art from anything.

            127 hours will not win any Oscars and I will probably not see it again, but I will say that I am happy that it was made and I have nothing but respect for the film.  James Franco shows what his potential can be and Danny Boyle shows you can do just fine (I’ll say excel) outside mainstream Hollywood.  A courageous, bold, and unique movie made during conservative cookie cutter movie making times in Hollywood.

           
I rate this: ***