How does he get it right every time? Over the years — from Shallow Grave and Trainspotting to 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire — Danny Boyle has handled diverse genres with perfect aplomb. Each time you go in to watch a Boyle film, you are confident the guy won’t disappoint. He never did, he doesn’t this time either.127 Hours started off with a couple of advantages — besides the fact that Boyle was directing, of course. First, the rivetting story material at hand. Second, the casting of James Franco as leading man. Over time, Franco has emerged as a phenomenal talent. In Boyle’s latest, he virtually carries the 94- minute runtime all by himself with impressive screen presence.
By now we are all aware that 127 Hours is not an easy film to watch. Based on a real- life account, the film lays bare a piece of action that easily ranks among the most gruesome ever filmed in cinema. This isn’t a film for all. This is the story of Aron Ralston ( played by Franco). On a hiking trip in Utah, Aron has a free fall along a 65- foot canyon wall through a deep crevice. He isn’t killed but that isn’t good news entirely. Aron ends up in the pit with his right forearm trapped between a boulder and the canyon wall.
He survives in that state for 127 hours — that’s around five days — hoping someone will take notice. No one does. For one, the guy never informed anyone where he was going. And nearest civilisation is miles away. Aron realises he has to resort to extreme measures if he wants to live. Without giving away any sort of spoiler, ‘ extreme measure’ involves the arm, a knife he was carrying in his rucksack, his teeth, and no anaesthesia.
The climax is bloody gory. As Boyle’s camera laps up graphic details though, you don’t spot any urgency to sensationalise. 127 Hours is merely showing it as Aron lived it — his unforgettably most painful minutes.
Boyle and his coscreenplay writer Simon Beaufoy subtly prepare you for the hard finalé. The opening hour sees the camera brilliantly capture a carefree Aron, dazzling in a pink tee that sets alive the golden backdrop terrain, as he flirts with two pretty hikers. Franco essays Aron as a cocksure wanderer driven by instinct. The trait helps you understand why the man would land in such a mess in the first place.
The narrative quietly gets heavier once Aron is trapped. He hallucinates, and starts recording video letters. Crisply cut shots virtually take you inside the pit, and you live his claustrophobic agony.
Predictable as the ending is (even if you haven’t read Aron’s autobiography, Between A Rock And A Hard Place), Boyle primarily keeps you hooked with frenetic pace and brilliant storytelling. The camera becomes a voyeur of sorts as Aron’s situation goes from bad to worse.
It adds to the film’s restless mood. Boyle has described 127 Hours as “ an action movie about a guy who can’t move”. The film is bound to have a moving effect on its viewers, guaranteed.
Rating : 3.5 / 5
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