Movie review: 127 Hours

Some stories are too incredible to be made up. Such is the case with "127 Hours", a movie adaptation of the book "Between A Rock And A Hard Place", written by Aron Ralston about true events. Danny Boyle takes the directorial helm of this film, and does he ever know how to tell a story. Director of the award winning "Slumdog Millionaire", his latest venture is no less colorful, well-paced, or intriguing. "127 Hours" is a movie which seems to have an open and shut premise: a man goes hiking, has a terrible accident where his arm is pinned beneath a boulder and has to amputate his arm in order to free himself. Tragic and miraculous both at once. Is it enough, however, to fill a movie? With the right actor and director, absolutely.

The film opens with a bang: loud music and vivid images of people. Crowds of people. The screen splits into three frames and shows people on beaches, in stadiums, and other large area places. A teaming populace. Then in the center frame we suddenly see our protagonist, Aron Ralston, played by James Franco. He is in his home, moving around busily with a set purpose. He sets a water bottle in the sink to fill while cramming various objects into a backpack. The phone rings but he ignores it. He has other things to do and nothing will get in his way. Because of his vigor, his singularity isn't noticed until later, especially at the end when things come full circle and the opening shots make perfect, artful sense.

The use of color and music in the film is a thing of beauty and distinct purpose. As Aron sets out on his adventure, the screen is filled with the bright blue and white of the sky, the striking orange brown of the landscape upon which Aron bikes and hikes with gusto, and even the orange of his t-shirt which sports a cheery sunflower in the center. Everything is vibrant, especially Aron. His enthusiasm for life is bountifully apparent. He seems to go at life full speed ahead, and I the viewer felt a surge of admiration and a twinge of longing.

When the accident occurs it is terrible and stark, not only because of what happens but because of who it happened to. Aron is so sure and confident (as I said, a bit enviably so): how could a single moment strip everything away? But that is when the real journey begins. Thankfully, James Franco is more than enough of a competent actor, pulling off the role so believably that I was riveted to my seat, eyes fastened on his face which portrayed so many nuances of emotion and expression. Pain, fear, regret, longing, calculated ingenuity and more plays across his face like light plays across the rocks which surround and entrap him.

The film is not for the weak-hearted (or weak stomached). At some parts I found myself practically writhing in my seat and sometimes averting my eyes completely as Aron struggles again and again to free himself. Yet his pain is played out with just enough realism for the viewer to understand - and feel - what Aron is going through, without going over board. The pain is horrific, but it is not a horror movie. The director is careful to show enough but not too much. With Franco's very convincing portrayal of excruciating pain and unrelenting determination, the audience is right there with him, squirming and cheering at the same time.

Ultimately, the film centers on a surprising moral: repentance. Certainly courage, tenacity, ingenuity and the strength of the human spirit are all key elements, but it is Aron's lingering memories on family, friends, and relationships - memories which lead to regrets, apologies, and hopeful promises - which are the quiet heart of a vibrant story. The ending had tears rolling down my cheeks, and the most solid thought which appeared in my mind as I left the theater was simply, "Wow".

I hope that James Franco and Danny Boyle both receive Oscar nods. In my mind they certainly deserve them. Though this film - because of the violence of the accident and the means of escape - may not be for everyone, if you can take it, watch it. It's a story that should be known and not soon forgotten.