Last night I saw 127 hours during its second run in theaters. Though I have wanted to see this film since its announcement, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The pacing and length of the film were well done; I wasn’t bored at any point during this film. Danny Boyle, the film’s director, didn’t over-inflate his film with unnecessary nonsense just to make this film feature length, it runs a satisfying hour and a half.
I went into the theater with a negative impression of Ralston; that he was an extremely arrogant, selfish person. After seeing the film, I don’t think that his selfishness was intentional. In my own life I have been guilty of picking up and going off on my own without telling anyone, not because I have a death wish or don’t want anyone to know where I am, but because my head is so wrapped up in my pursuit that I simply forget. It’s a bad habit which allowed me to sympathize with Aron’s decision, poor as it may have been.
What has changed is my opinion that he was an arrogant know-it-all. In the film he is portrayed as a self-sure, confident human being. One might consider him irresponsible, but not arrogant. His level of experience was every bit as good as he thought it was, had it not been, the outcome would have been drastically different.
I believe to truly get the full effect of this film you have to share some of Ralston’s passions and ideals. The film will resonate with anyone who has spent any time exploring the western United States. The scenes of Aron biking through the Canyonlands area of Utah reminded me of my time in the arid expanses of Wyoming. My past desire to visit Utah was refueled by this film. The director skillfully utilized aerial shots of the canyon to create a feeling of isolation as well as convey just how far Ralston was from rescue.
The film plays out as a collage of Aron’s recollections of the past interspersed with the struggle of his present entrapment which builds to a literal breaking point during which Aron severs his own arm. The director utilized sound heavily during the breaking and amputation scene, which had a more profound effect on me than the actual gore. The visual aspect of Aron severing his arm was definitely prominent enough to get the point across, but not over exaggerated.
The emotional crux of this film came when Aron, stumbling out of the canyon, saw a family of hikers ahead of him. He struggled to get their attention, and when they noticed him and came to his rescue I couldn’t help but get that choked up victory feeling.
I really enjoyed this film. Not to say everyone will. Some will get bored with the exposition leading up to the amputation, though that aspect of the film was what compelled me the most.
Through this film I have gained a greater understanding of why friends and family worry. By seeing something of my self from a third person perspective, I have decided that I will no longer wander off by myself without always leaving a note.
-Patrick
Nice review, Patrick! Though to be honest, I had the opposite reaction. I got halfway through Aron’s book, ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place,” before succumbing to boredom. It wasn’t because the story he wrote wasn’t exciting, it was due to the number of pages he spent going over past trips and adventures. But it did prove how experienced he was prior to the accident, and I put the book down feeling like it was simply a case of a smart, ambitious guy being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
When I saw the movie, I was taken aback by the portrayal of his meeting and relationship with the two female hikers he ran into. He seemed so arrogant, so holier-than-thou. I did a fair bit of eye-rolling, that’s for sure. I’m not sure if that’s how he actually acted, but it was much too Hollywood for my taste. I did like how accurate the details around his equipment, rope management and survival techniques were shown.
I know he’s an accomplished skier and climber, but the movie just left me a little disappointed.
I wish I had read the book prior to seeing the film, but I plan to pick it up shortly and give ti a read. Thanks for your input.
Nice job CTS. When I saw your title, I thought you might link something personal – like leaving note with destination and emergency contacts in car at Marcy, or even registration at Devils Tower. I agree, most emotional part was when he’s rescued. Funny how even when you know how a story ends, you still feel that emotional tug. Guess that’s a product of a well crafted story that allows you to, if not like, at least connect to the character (in this case real person). Sure don’t get that same response when it comes to movie villains.
I read the book (listened to it on tape, with Aaron reading it) which I enjoyed, and I went into the movie wondering how they would portray a story that was mostly internal dialogue on the big screen. I think they did a really good job. The cinematography was great, and for the most part it stuck to the book. And Katie, the scene with the girls was all Hollywood, so you were rightfully put out by it, but it didn’t take away from the rest of the film for me.
I wasn’t aware that Aron did the reading for the audio book. I haven’t read the book yet, so that may be an interesting way to do so. Thanks!