Saturday, December 11, 2010

127 Hours

I just got back from seeing the movie 127 Hours, starring James Franco as Aron Ralston, the guy who cut off his own arm when caught in a Utah canyon in 2003. He had gone on his adventure without telling anyone where he was going.

I was living in Boulder when this story emerged, and I remember vividly reading about the gruesome details of what Aron had to do in order to survive. He came out with a book called "Between a Rock and a Hard Place," which I haven't read but will immediately go out and purchase for a good read. Several of the people in the theater were there alone, with their friends and family deciding to stay home. No wonder. Most of them were afraid, as I was, of getting totally grossed out by the graphic depiction of what Ralson had to do. But it wasn't at all the focus of the movie.

Danny Boyle, the director of this movie (he also made Slumdog Millionaire, which I also loved), decided to tell the story of how Aron got to where he was, the mistakes he made, and his desire to live. Rotten Tomatoes gives the movie a 93% freshness rating, and the reason why is made quite clear in a review by Mike McGranaghan at The Aisle Seat (click for his full review):
127 Hours is not a movie about a guy who cuts off his own arm; it's a movie about a guy who chooses to live. My initial instinct was one of horror, of the thought that I could never do what Aron Ralston did. In Boyle's hands, I walked away feeling the opposite. The strength of the film is that it so vividly portrays what Ralston went through that, when the moment comes, you understand perfectly why he took such drastic measures - and you realize that, under these same circumstances, you would do the same thing.
Make no mistake, the whole arm cutting part was gruesome, as I knew it would have to be and remain true to the story. Although I wanted to read the book earlier, I was afraid of all the details that friends had relayed to me. Now I know I can handle it (although I did cover my eyes in the movie during one scene). I left the theater in tears of happiness as I saw pictures of the real Aron Ralston with his wife and infant son, who appeared as a premonition in some of his hallucinations.

After having seen it once, I could see it again, and think it might not be so difficult to watch those scenes. But first, I'll read his book. Franco should definitely be receiving an Oscar nomination, if not a win, and the movie deserves to be recognized too, in my estimation. After having resisted seeing the movie, now I'm really glad I overcame my reluctance.
:-)

18 comments:

  1. What a riveting story and incisive film review. I have put this book and movie in my queue. Thanks.

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  2. Glad to hear such a good review from you...this is a film I've been looking forward to seeing. In an interview with Franco about the film, I got the impression that you just stated -- one about a choice to live. :D

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  3. I will rent it on Netflix, so I can walk away from it if it gets too much to take. David will probably continue watching, though.

    Thanks for the review!

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  4. I've heard a lot of good reviews of the movie. I will probably watch it on DVD when it is released.

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  5. I've heard some similar opinions about the movie. I too, have been reluctant to see it.

    I did see him interviewed shortly after his ordeal and he's certainly a very positive guy. I'm still not sure if I'll watch it, but I'm one step closer, now. Thanks for the review. :)

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  6. Thanks for the review. We will definitely have to check it out.

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  7. I don't handle gruesome and have already said I can't watch the movie. I know it's a shame because I've heard great things about his performance. Maybe I'll read the book. At least that way I can control how much of the arm cutting I actually hear/see.

    Let us know how the book is!

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  8. Thanks for the review. After this incident I wrote an editorial in the paper in defense of Aaron Ralston who was receiving some undeserved flak, I felt. I love his love of life and what he did to get out of a bad situation. (I also love James Franco!) And I have to add that everyone is squeamish at heart. All normal, healthy people. Sometimes it does one good to force oneself to look at something, or do something, you think you cannot.

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  9. I really want to see this movie, but I have heard that people actually faint during the amputation scene.

    What a guy...! He chose life.

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  10. GREAT REVIEW DJan! I want to read his book too, but I will read it after I see the movie. I think books are always better. I will squeeze it in next week when I finish my Christmas shopping. I read an article in the paper on James Franco and he said he agreed it was important to the story to keep it true to Ralston's experience.

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  11. Think I'll stick to the book, reminds me too much of the guy here in CT who got his arm stuck in his furnace (of all things), atttempted to cut off his arm after being stuck for three days, and passed out when he got close to an artery or something. He was found before he bled to death after he failed to show up for work. We had to listen to it start to finish on the news for a long time, then again when he got a prothsetic (SP?). Falling while hiking I can understand, but the FURNACE?

    :O

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  12. I remember hearing about his ordeal when it happened. He was very fortunate to have survived. It is scary to think that he had to go to such extreme, but the will to live is strong. I probably won't see the movie - maybe read the book though.

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  13. I don't think I could watch that film in a cinema. I would be in great distress. Maybe I'm better with the book cos I've got a vivid enough imagination, thank you. I'm so glad they did the story justice though and I commend you for being brave enough to go and see it.
    Blessings, Star

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  14. I also loved Slumdog Millionare. I'll definitely see this one as well. But usually on video. My husband drags his feet to the movies most of the time.

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  15. I remember the event, will watch for the movie.
    Thanks for the review DJan.

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  16. We rarely go to movies..but in a few years it will be on TV. We know the outcome..I wonder if this guy and the guy that got his arm stuck in that furnace last winter had a chat:)

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  17. I don't think I would have any problems watching the scene but I'll probably wait until it's on DVD. I remember the incident and read a bit about Ralston when the movie was released. He gets some big bucks now as a motivational speaker.

    While I agree that what he did was very brave and necessary for his survival I don't think it should be overlooked that it could have been prevented. If he had simply told someone where he was going and when to expect him back this movie most likely would never have been made.

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  18. It sounds compelling. I will check it out.

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