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We’ve all heard movies described as “based on a true story” but what does that actually mean? I’m always surprised by the fact that some people seem to equate this to watching a documentary. Sure, some movies stick close to the source material but even the most faithful adaptations make changes to the story. And of course there are some movies that alter so much that any similarities to the actual events seem to be accidental.

In each entry of this column I’m going to be looking at a different movie “based on a true story” or whatever phrasing is attached to it and compare it to the actual story. Hopefully I’ll be able to separate fact from Hollywood. But I’m also going to be talking about what those changes mean and why they were made. Do the changes have some artistic merit or are they just attempts to make the story fit into a neat Hollywood package?

With this column, I will be looking at 127 Hours (2010), directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco. The movie is based on Aron Ralston’s infamous 2003 accident. While hiking through Blue John Canyon, on April 26, 2003, Ralston became trapped in a slot canyon. He was stuck there for five days before he had to cut off his own right hand to escape.

127 Hours was released on November 5, 2010 and was nominated for six Oscars. The movie also received overwhelmingly positive reviews. It sits at 93% at Rotten Tomatoes. 127 Hours is one of those movies that is actually very faithful to the story it’s based on. But let’s move on.

What the Movie Got Right

Before the Accident:

This is understandably the shortest part of the movie, since the story doesn’t really begin until Aron gets trapped. The film begins with Aron planning a trip to Utah for the weekend. Because he is a loner, Aron doesn’t tell anybody about where he is heading. As we all know; this is a decision that will come back to haunt him.

While exploring the mountains, Aron spots a couple of girls who seem to be lost. He approaches them and helps them find what they are looking for.


The Accident:

Aron was descending into a slot canyon when a suspended boulder was dislodged. The rock fell and landed on his arm, crushing his right hand. He was pinned against the canyon wall. At first he’s stunned by the situation he is suddenly in. But Aron’s amusement is short lived as he quickly realizes the seriousness of his predicament and begins cursing very angrily as he tries to force the boulder to budge.

After screaming for awhile, he hurriedly drinks his water but even in this moment, Aron is able to think logically and realizes that the water is the only thing he has that will keep him alive. Because of this, he decides to drink it very sparingly.

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