5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews. – Customer review on 13/02/2011

Can Hollywood, usually creating things for entertainment purposes only, create art? To create something of this nature, a director must approach it in a most meticulous manner, due to the delicacy of the process. Such a daunting task requires an extremely capable artist with an undeniable managerial capacity and an acutely developed awareness of each element of art in their films, the most prominent; music, visuals, script, and acting. These elements, each equally important, must succeed independently, yet still form a harmonious union, because this mixture determines the fate of the artist's opus. Though already well known amongst his colleagues for his notable skills at writing and directing, Danny Boyle emerges with his feature film directorial effort, 127 Hours. Proving himself already a master of the craft, Boyle managed to create one of the most recognizable independent releases in the history of Hollywood. 127 Hours defines a genre, defies the odds, compels the emotions, and brings an era of artistically influential films back to Hollywood. The story begins when a mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and must resort to desperate measures in order to survive. By creating the film's firm foundation, the meticulously chiseled screenplay paved the way for this film's success. Boyle outdoes himself with the phenomenal adaptation of the equally noteworthy true story. In which Providence itself demonstrates that we are susceptible to wayward mishaps. Though the film mirrors the real life ordeal in many ways, Boyle illustrates a focused objective of improving upon the areas where true events come up short, resulting in one of the best film transitions ever. While maintaining some of the poetic and moving dialogue of the novella, Boyle also proves that a film's score can generate a great deal of emotional response from its audience, as dialogue does. Boyle shows recognition for the film's needs by employing Rahman, who makes the gentle piano chords whisper softly to the viewer, as if a part of the scripted dialogue. Rahman lends himself to individualism and tends to drive more towards the unique in the realm of score composition. His effort in 127 Hours did not go unnoticed, as his score received an Berlin Silver Bear nomination in 2010. While unique and independent, Rahman's score never once intrudes on your concentration or distracts from the film. With work from vast array of talented scene designers, costume designers, composers, cinematographers, and various other Hollywood artists, the cast of 127 Hours had a strong foundation to work with. The marvelous cast of this film will dazzle you with some of the most convincing performances you will witness in a film. While James Franco shines as Aron Ralston, the true spectacle of acting lies within the plethora of amazing supporting actors who easily disappear into their roles. Most noticeable of these, the veteran film star Treat Williams, who portrays the elderly father figure. Williams, a man torn apart by hisown inner demons for so long that he finds himself attached to the past and the daily life he has lead. Each of these actors show a true dedication to their art, and a focused purpose in their motivations, creating a convincing setting that never once caters to anything unbelievable. With all of the aesthetic touches and attention to cinematic detail, the most beautiful part of the film lies within its thematic material, such as its focus on the human desires for the most abstract concepts, like hope and freedom. These themes, which concern things the human spirit undoubtedly yearns for, seem so intricately woven into the plot that it easily draws its audience in to its story. Though full of twists of unrelenting Fate, your heart will go out to these men as they display the most basic of human emotions, and deliver some of the most quotable lines in a film to date. Like a great novel, this film manages to succeed at greater things than simply entertaining an audience. Boyle tells his story most masterfully, illustrating principles and inspiring his audience to think. He leaves us a poignant film with a powerful message of hope, and redemption, something we all seek. This film manages to redeem Hollywood in the eyes of people who feared it long lost in a dark sea of clichés and predictability. Boyle shows us that artists still work in the Hollywood studios and production facilities. These artists show their capability to produce art; real art that inspires you to look at the deeper aspects of life and the world around you. 127 Hours delivers much-needed breath of fresh air for anyone who realizes the capability of film. It proves that masters of the craft still live on this earth, and still bless us with timeless masterpieces that we will never forget.