Wednesday, February 1, 2012

100 Movies - No. 2: 127 Hours

2. 127 Hours (2010)
Drama, Biography, 94 minutes
Directed by Danny Boyle
Starring James Franco

One of the things I like about 127 Hours is that it transports you to a different place. It's the true story of how Aron Ralston survived after being trapped alone in a canyon.

Danny Boyle uses a variety of techniques and camera trickery to keep the viewer interested, even though the story takes place in a few feet of rock for the majority of the film.


James Franco is very effective in the role and his Oscar nomination was justified. There is one particularly harrowing scene that might not be suitable for some viewers, but it worked for me in the context of the story.

I'm fascinated by how the human mind works and how people deal with adversity and solitude. Ralston's story rings true and gives us a glimpse into how his mind dealt with his ordeal. It's a story that I have watched several times so I can't agree with those who think it has no replay value.


If you like 127 Hours:

Cast Away, featuring Tom Hanks, is another convincing study of a person trapped in isolation. I Am Legend, starring Will Smith, offers a similar perspective. Both films transport the viewer to a different reality and it's easy to become caught up in each story.

For a full review of 127 Hours, click here.

Return to index of 100 movies to see before you die.

Return to index of every review on the site.

No comments:

Post a Comment