Here is the official trailer.
***FILM SPOLIER***
It's now impossible to watch a film without thinking about media! I'm seriously undecided about this film and can not work out if the ending lived up to my expectations. There were however, a few things that really did stand out for me (as the film is so new I won't be able to post screen shots etc.)
The credits in the opening scene fit the genre well but it was the title of the film that stood out and I didn't realise that we hadn't actually seen the title of the film until it appeared. After the credits and the opening scene, the film goes straight into the story, the character (based on Aron Ralston's real life story) begins his journey (this also produced some amazing shots which you see in the trailer, along with the split screen effect) and you become engaged. He meets two women, shows them around, promises to meet up with them again and moves on. Its not until he falls and realises that he's stuck that the title "127 Hours" appears boldy on the screen, and this is at least 15 minutes into the film. After the title appears, everything goes silent (including the audience) and you realise just how stuck he is.
The soundtrack to this film also stood out and some what shocked me. You would expect there to be heart pumping tension music as Aron (played by James Franco) tries to free his arm. But no, much like Mark Ramely suggests in his article "Creative Film Making For The Creatively Challanged", the film breaks the rules of the genre and instead uses upbeat acoustic folk music throughout.
The shots, mentioned before, throughout this film were amazing. The location obviously made this possible however they were practically breath-taking. When the film is released and if I am still blogging then, I will try to find some screenshots of these shots.
The end perhaps was dissappointing. Throughout the whole film you experience with Aron his horrific story and practically feel as if you are with him. You and the character are physically and emotionally drained after watching it! I had high hopes that at the end, he'd be freed in a way that we would never expect. However instead, he chops his arm off.
Would not recommened to those who are squeamish. Definitely should of followed Se7en in the idea that less is more with the ending and how much gore should of been shown!
Here is Aron Ralston speaking about the events.
Joely, this is top notch blogging - really Level 4 content throughout that review..
ReplyDeleteI especially liked the references to Mark Ramely and other technical aspects that you mention.. Can't believe you didn't know the ending of this film! It's been well documented what Ralston did to himself to survive - and there's a brilliant article about the film in the Guardian from last week sometime - will find it and post the link on my blog.
Keep up THIS standard - really excellent.