127 Hours

Review by Anthony Morris

As far as plot twists go, 127 Hours is a little light.

While out on a hike down an isolated canyon in the desert in the US south-west, Aron Ralston (James Franco) slips, falls down a narrow ravine and ends up with his right arm trapped under a boulder. 

The rock isn't going anywhere, so if he wants to leave, he's got a very tough choice ahead of him. 

Based on a true story - a true story that ends with Aron chopping his own arm off - this clearly isn't a film relying on narrative tension to keep you in your seat. 

Instead, director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire) pulls out all the tricks to make what is, after the first 20-odd minutes, nothing but the story of a man standing very, very still into a rapid-fire thrill-ride. 

We get flashbacks, alternate realities, comedy news commentaries, "what-if" wish-fulfilment, and plenty of moments of bare-bones survival as he edges ever closer to death or its awful alternative. 

Having James Franco as the lead is a massive plus here too. 

Aron seems like both a bit of a wacko (his high-energy enthusiasm at first puts off then wins over a pair of fellow hikers he meets early on) and maybe a bit of a dick (he didn't tell anyone where he was going; one of his relationships, explored in flashback, doesn't reflect well). 

But Franco radiates such charm and fun that he's more than capable of holding our attention as a one-man show. 

And then there's the arm removal, which isn't overly dwelt on but is exactly as nasty as you think it's going to be. It's a gruelling moment in this memorable film.

If you can't take it, don't. Simply watch the audience instead; the looks of horror on their faces is bound to be even more disturbing.

4 out of 5

127 Hours
Australian release: 10th February, 2011
Official Site: 127 Hours
Cast: James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn
Director: Danny Boyle