127 Hours Techniques

Technical aspects are critical to the success of the film, as they enhance the flow and establish a style of the movie. Extreme wide shots are defined as, “ panoramic views of an exterior location used to establish setting” (Thompson and Bowen 14). 127 Hours, directed by Danny Boyle, uses extreme wide shots to its advantage throughout the movie as a means of establishing intense emotion. The technical aspect used throughout the film allows Boyle create a vivid response. 127 Hour’s pathos is affected by Boyle’s tendencies to show vast landscapes, while Aron Ralston (James Franco) is stuck between a rock and a hard place. These landscapes contribute to feelings of wanderlust, despair, and hopefulness depending on the action occurring during …show more content…
Once freed from the rock, Ralston maneuvers down the mountain. Upon finding help, the shot establishes an emotion of hope for the future, as the rescue helicopter prepares for landing. I view this scene and feel empowered for the future. Throughout the obstacles Ralston faced, the helicopter’s prominent position in the shot establishes its significance to the film, as a means of escape. Focus is directed toward the rescue, which allows me to feel that there is hope for the remainder of the film. The shot allows the film to end on a much lighter tone, as Ralston is freed, and Canyonlands National Park is no longer perceived as intense and intimidating. 127 Hours successfully uses a variety of extreme wide shots to portray different emotions. From a desire to travel in the beginning, the mood of these shots takes a drastic turn upon his entrapment. Eventually, Ralston frees himself from the rock, and the final significant shot mirrors his freedom. No longer does he appear small and helpless, he is empowered by his future opportunities. I experience a strong sense of hope, and although Ralston does not leave in full form, the shot establishes his freedom and opportunities in the