Based on Aron Ralston's memoir, director Danny Boyle's new film tells the horrific and inspiring true story of a man trapped in a ravine, arm jammed against a boulder. In what could have been a very good but bland film is instead full of cinematic mojo, celebrating life and a human's complex mind. James Franco hit a home run in his portrayal and guaranteed himself an Oscar nomination, demonstrating such a wide range of emotions that in someways his performance ellipses the surrealistic style of the film. I would say its only flaw is that Boyle tries too hard sometimes. I loved the editing techniques applied through out but toward the climatic moments I would have liked if he had just stayed with the documentary style. Overall a really good film that everyone should see. Grade: A-.
Spoiler: Okay, I know most know what Aron had to do to escape his entrapment but I still consider it a spoiler. I have to applaud Boyle on how he handled the detaching feat: gross but not over the top and very accurate and believable. While watching the movie I kept trying to think of how I'd get out of that situation and every idea I came up with Aron would try it. It really was hopeless. Ultimately I'd like to say I would have been able to break the two bones in my arm and amputate it as he did, but I would have probably fainted from the pain and gone into shock. What an incredible man.
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