127 HOURS

DIRECTOR | DANNY BOYLE
STARRING | JAMES FRANCO, NOT JAMES FRANCO’S ARM (OKAY WELL FOR PART OF THE MOVIE. SPOILER ALERT.)
STUDIO | FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
RELEASE | 3.1.11

In his book, Aron Ralston hypes himself as an outdoor legend. His passion is disconnecting from the frantic, modern world. Although not a land-preserving John Muir, he is a legend. His self-gratifying book is catastrophic—he cut off his fucking arm with a dull knife! The film flows with its deserving intensity under the masterfully contemporary guidance of Danny Boyle. Opening with an adrenaline pumping score and flashing triptychs of consumerism, Ralston is seeking serenity in the canyons of Utah.

His adventures maintain the film’s energy until 16 minutes into it when he slips into a crevice, resulting in his forearm getting trapped by a boulder. The title, 127 Hours, appears, reiterating that he’s in a real pinch. James Franco portrays Ralston’s 5-day whirlwind of emotion with painful believability. Life seems to be slipping away as he’s remotely stuck. The days become destitute and hallucinogenic as Franco focuses on a level mind. The dirty deed of self-amputation becomes his sole option and is shown with unenviable realism.

127 Hours is a great reminder to always tell your mom where you’re going.