6 Best Oscar Nominations
Best Picture
Best Actor
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
James Franco rises to the occasion in the latest Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) film. Who would have thought that a movie filmed in such a small space for most of the film, with one actor would be so engaging and repelling at the same time. Not since “Castaway” has there been a (almost) one man film quite so compelling to watch. There’s only one actor eligible to nominate in this movie, and Franco deserves it twice. He is the movie; he, Mr. Boyle’s direction and the film editing are the stars of the film. The surrounding canyons seen briefly, are as gorgeous on film as they are in person.
This film is based on the true story of Adventurer Aron Ralston whose arm became caught under a rock that fell on him in a narrow crevice while he was rock climbing in Utah. He sets up his camera and it captures his ordeal, thus the name of the film 127 hours. It's the amount of time he spent stuck in place by the rock. Rock climbing is some thing I will never, ever do after seeing this film!
Ralston survived by having to do something extremely intense and difficult; cut off part of his own arm. I could barely watch it because it was so real; so heartbreaking at times that I was on the edge of my seat. It’s extremely well written and adapted from Ralston’s book. It earned its nomination as Best Adapted Screenplay. Ralston, comes off as a bit of a cocky jerk in the beginning of the film and becomes more likable as his dilemma worsens. He thinks about his life and has revelations about himself that make him really see himself for the first time. The film is at times warm and funny and heart wrenching when he has these revelations and decides to cut off his arm.
The score is pretty good and adds to the film. But this movie is all James Franco, and the film editing. I would have never guessed that Franco was such a good actor, with such depth and range from some of his previous roles. He was a total surprise. I think I see now why he is hosting the Oscars.
Will he win best actor? No, I think that may go to Colin Firth, who is good in everything. I think the academy thinks he’s due too. Jeff Bridges is charismatic and great in everything he does, but he won last year for “Crazy Heart.” Javier Bardem is anther one to watch. But I’m betting on Colin Firth.
This movie was much better that I expected. This Oscar season has turned out some really good films to watch. In previous years there have been some boring films, and I didn’t care to watch them. So far so good, still more to go…
Rating - 4 stars
