SPOILERS
A one man show of epic proportions i think sums this film up, however there a 3 one man shows to be had.
Firstly the real life Aron Ralston, who has said this was like watching a documentary of what happened. How did he get through all of that for so long? I commend his bravery for doing what he had to do. I’m not sure i could do the same if i was in shoes. I would probably give up straight away and just allow myself to die.
Second James Franco. What a performance despite already knowing what happens in the film there were still moments where i thought, hes going to die oh god no. I sat on the edge of my seat for most of the film sharing some of his pain. His messages home for his goodbyes were really touching about the regrets he’d had over the recent months.
Third Sir Danny Boyle. I’ve grown to be a fan of his work in recent years, and this one doesn’t fail to amaze. He really makes you feel that you are in that canyon with him. The best piece of work that is put together is the first break to the arm. The fact that as it snaps the camera kind of goes back as that the reaction you have when he breaks it. Pure beauty.
Those 2 girls at the start had no real effect to the plot, it wasn’t like they lead him to that hole in the canyon was it. We could have done without that bit really. However the flash backs & forwards were good. It makes you think about who you would want to see and talk to at that moment if it were you.
The final scene where you see James Franco looking at the real Aron, with his family, is a brilliant idea. Proof that sometimes the best story’s don’t have to be made up, full of dragons & super heroes & alternative universe. The real story that needs telling is real life.
After i watched the film i googled Aron & found out what happened to his arm. Eventually it took a couple of cranes and about 6 men to remove the stone & set his hand free. It was then cremated and given back to Aron, who on an anniversary of getting trapped, to he ashes back to the canyon and left them there as that was where his arm was supposed to be.
I think 2009-2010 was one of the best years for cinema out of the 10 films nominated for an academy award for best picture that year I’ve seen 6 so far (when i watch the fighter in a few weeks it will be 7) and every single time i watch one of them i go how did that not win best film. When we get to the Kings Speech i will explain why they didn’t. This film however out of the ones iv watched is better than Black Swan & The Social Network.
This is definitely worth a watch people even though you kinda all ready know how its going to end.