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James Franco delivers captivating performance in ‘127 Hours’

Lindsay Powell, Reporter

January 9, 2011

James Franco delivers captivating performance in '127 Hours’

Starring in movies like “Pineapple Express” and “Spiderman,” actor James Franco may not be seen as the most serious actor in Hollywood, but he takes on an intense role as Aron Ralston in “127 Hours.” This movie tells the true story of a man trapped in a cavern in Utah alone for 127 hours as he runs low on food, water, and sanity.

With an upbeat beginning which leads into a rather solemn story, “127 Hours” does not fail to captivate. Even with the widespread media attention that surrounded Aron Ralston’s story in 2003, director Danny Boyle still managed to surprise and amaze — an amazing feat since almost the entire movie is shot in one solitary location.

To say that Boyle went above and beyond what was expected is not an overstatement. Viewers cannot help but sympathize with Ralston as he uses the few tools in his backpack to attempt to pry the rock free that was crushing his hand and keeping him captive. Armed with some rope, some carabineers, a multi-tool, a headlamp, and a little food and water, Ralston spends the majority of the movie struggling to escape dehydration and death.

With these limited tools, Ralston does not lose hope and makes several attempts to break free. Although viewers most likely know the end of the Ralston’s story, each glimmer of hope seems to break the audiences’ hearts a little more. Anticipation builds waiting for a climax to offer any type of emotion besides desperation.

With flashbacks to his old life and the delusions caused by dehydration, the movie also offers some upbeat and funny moments. Smiling while watching a man face his death is an odd sensation, but Franco succeeds. The tragic story is riddled with moments that offer a smile, a tear, or even complete joy.

Although “127 Hours” is only showing in select theaters, it is well worth the trip to a different Charles Theater to see the Oscar-worthy film. “127 Hours” is a movie that everyone should see at least once. Boyle uses unique camera angles and score choices to enhance a story already made captivating by Franco’s incredible performance.