There has been a lot of attention on the gore on screen in the scene where Aron Ralston cuts his arm off to save his life. Yes, we all know this is central to 127 Hours but it is in no way the whole story.
I became aware of Ralston's tale a few years back when he was a guest on Andrew Denton's Enough Rope (easily one of the best interview shows ever made in Australia).
It's not a surprise in the least that it has been made into a feature.
Ralston (James Franco) is your typical carefree soul who heads out for a weekend of adventures canyoning in Utah.
Of course we all know the story - he slips and his arm is wedged tight by a boulder and it isn't budging.
As the realisation sets in that he is going to die in this remote canyon Ralston uses his video camera to record his thoughts, some of which are a hilarious attempt to make light of his situation but also give an insight into the man.
I became aware of Ralston's tale a few years back when he was a guest on Andrew Denton's Enough Rope (easily one of the best interview shows ever made in Australia).
It's not a surprise in the least that it has been made into a feature.
Ralston (James Franco) is your typical carefree soul who heads out for a weekend of adventures canyoning in Utah.
Of course we all know the story - he slips and his arm is wedged tight by a boulder and it isn't budging.
As the realisation sets in that he is going to die in this remote canyon Ralston uses his video camera to record his thoughts, some of which are a hilarious attempt to make light of his situation but also give an insight into the man.
He tries to chip away at the boulder crushing his arm and eventually comes to a gruesome conclusion.
James Franco is absolutely amazing as Ralston. Much like Ryan Reynolds in Buried, he has to carry the film, you have to sympathise (well you don't have to) with him, you have to believe in what he is going through.
OK, some of the setting does look a bit fake and constructed - but this isn't a major surprise. And in the end 127 Hours is not a story about a guy who cuts his arm off. It's a story about the human condition, the human spirit, and the precious nature of life. It's about people and it is bloody good.
Yes, you have to stomach a bit of blood and watch a guy sever his arm. That isn't easy. But it is in no way gratuitous and every bit vital to Ralston's character.
If you can handle it this is a must see. Brilliant, gripping, funny at times and very moving. A 9 out of 10 and take a bow James Franco.
James Franco is absolutely amazing as Ralston. Much like Ryan Reynolds in Buried, he has to carry the film, you have to sympathise (well you don't have to) with him, you have to believe in what he is going through.
OK, some of the setting does look a bit fake and constructed - but this isn't a major surprise. And in the end 127 Hours is not a story about a guy who cuts his arm off. It's a story about the human condition, the human spirit, and the precious nature of life. It's about people and it is bloody good.
Yes, you have to stomach a bit of blood and watch a guy sever his arm. That isn't easy. But it is in no way gratuitous and every bit vital to Ralston's character.
If you can handle it this is a must see. Brilliant, gripping, funny at times and very moving. A 9 out of 10 and take a bow James Franco.
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