127 Hours

 

So I thought it was a good time to write about one of my favourite films! Its difficult to pick an absolute number 1 but if I had to choose  '127 hours' (2010) is my favourite film! Adaptations of true stories are definitely my favourite genre of film and '127 hours' directed by Danny Boyle doesn't disappoint.

'127 hours' is about the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco) who becomes trapped alone when his arm is wedged beneath a boulder. He manages to survive 127 hours (as explained by the title!) and can only escape when he removes his own arm. It is a remarkable tale of human survival, made all the more amazing as it is a true story, with the real Aron Ralston and his family making a cameo appearance at the end of the film.

During these hours, the real Aron Ralston had kept a video diary, and Boyle had been the first person to ever watch it. He used this as inspiration to construct the film. It is built up of various video diary style clips with Aron telling the story himself. This engages the audience and allows them to empathise with him. There are moments that made me laugh - when Aron films his own morning breakfast chat show, starring himself as the special guest, and also moments that made me want to cry- such as when he is telling his family how much he loves them if someone is to ever discover him and his camera.

An hour and a half of a man stuck in a canyon seems a little tedious on paper, but it is constructed in such a way that makes you want to watch on. Boyle does not skim over any detail, my favourite shot of the film is the shot where Aron first stabs the knife into his arm. Boyle inventively uses a shot that positions the audience as if they are inside Aron's arm, watching the blade sink to his bone- a little gruesome- but spectacular. I still have not yet been able to watch the complete scene where Aron removes his arm, I do not do well with blood and broken bones! but the fact that I cannot sit through it is a compliment, it has created the intended cringing feelings !!!

'127 Hours' never gives you a moment to relax, there is a constant tension as you wait for the disaster, and despite a few alleviating moments, the inevitable is always looming making this film one of my favourites!