'127 Hours' - Character Driven

After researching further examples that have an emphasis around people and character driven storylines/relationships, I came across '127 Hours'. I broke down and began to analyse the opening scene of the film as it features interesting/effective editing techniques

'127 Hours' directed by Danny Boyle, is a film based on a true story about a mountain climber who becomes trapped under a boulder whilst canyoneering in Utah.

The opening scene in '127 Hours' features split-screen, and most obvious of all, people. Lots of people, different cultures, the images connote globalisation, mass congregations, a kinetic world, all in which parallel/relate to Aron Ralston's (James Franco) character who is an active, fit and out-going person.

The split-screen and imagery work so well because later in the film, when Aron is alone and trapped in the canyon, we sub-conciously acknowledge that the world is still moving and progressing forward, whilst Aron is trapped and unable to move/progress anywhere.

The non-diegetic soundtrack is a modern piece that boasts instrumental sounds and almost 'erotic' singing. "Take it, take it" repeated multiple times possibly relates to Aron's temptation of embarking on this journey without telling anyone about his plans. The instrumental effects, which are obscure, sharp, different in tempo, pace and volume I feel are there to make the audience un-settled, to perhaps prepare them for the events that will take place later in the film.

The quick, snappy editing symbolises Aron's fast-paced lifestyle and the repeated imagery of mass-congregations, that appear to be worshiping God symbolise hope and a sense of belonging in the world, two themes that I feel are important throughout the film.

The dripping of the tap, juxtaposed with a busy highway could connote the idea that time is ticking away until he meets his fate in the canyon.

The repeated imagery of global brands emphasise that he lives in this globalised, modern, consumeristic state/country but he is potentially about to leave this all behind... as he drives down the highways and roads, Aron appears to be the only one driving in that direction, as if he is approaching the end, his doom.


The editor Jon Harris, who was nominated for an oscar for his work on '127 Hours', describes his difficulty in keeping the viewer engaged with a story that focuses on one man's survival. He goes on to talk about not falling into the trap of repetition, between flashbacks, him stuck in the canyon/reality, back to the flashbacks and back to reality again.

The flashbacks and imaginings that broaden the scope of '127 Hours' are a large part of the story and proved to be a particular challenge when it came to editing. I can understand where Jon is coming from, as when I watched the film for the first time, the flashbacks were indeed key to the progression of the story. They kept the viewer engaged and created a strong emotional bond, connection and sympathy towards to the main character. My knowledge in editing has expanded in the last few months, and I keep hearing more and more that creating an emotional connection to the characters in the film is key. Without that, you have lost your audience's attention... why should they bother watching something if they feel no connection whatsoever to the characters in the piece, why would they care?

Aron is half in the cave, half in the memory. They tried to make that blend as much as possible, so that it's as if we as the audience/Aron are drifting in and out of his head.

James Franco's performance is key to the success of this film due to amount of screen-time he has. Whilst shooting the film, they tried to make it as real as possible. Franco would be stood in the same position, under the boulder for a long period of time. If it took him an hour to rig his harness together, it took him an hour.

In conclusion, I highly respect and admire '127 Hours', from the emotional connection it creates between Franco and the audience, to the tempo of the film, the editing, the sound, cinematography and more.

I will continue to conduct further research into my specialisms (cinematography & editing).

John Harris, editor of '127 Hours'