Slipping through the cracks

Rating: 8/10 (31 July 2015)

Avoided this movie for some time mainly as I was sceptical that the subject matter could sustain 90-odd minutes without resorting to incessant flashbacks or some tawdry, laboured struggle. Being pinned to a specific location for 127 hours doesn't offer a lot of material to manufacture a 90 minute film, but I'm pleased to say director Danny Boyle has exceeded my own expectations with a taut thriller that's well photographed and exceptionally well-acted by the often maligned James Franco.
Despite knowing little of the real-life genesis of this film (though familiar with the 'climax' depicted in much more graphic detail than I anticipated), the unimaginable despair doesn't need a baseline truth to be compelling. This is one of those films where apparently, truth is stranger than fiction. Franco's trademark nonchalance is an attribute to his character here, and he does manage to affect the contrast well, as his situation becomes more dire.
If there was one disappointment, it was that I didn't get to see more of Kate Mara, whose character failed to evolve despite its potential. Great movie, well-constructed, visually appealing and a decent soundtrack.