Hours of Stardom

James Franco talks about Danny Boyles love for experimentation,meeting Aron Ralston,and the strenuous shoot for 127 Hours in an exclusive interview with Priyanka Pereira.

James Franco talks about Danny Boyles love for experimentation,meeting Aron Ralston,and the strenuous shoot for 127 Hours in an exclusive interview with Priyanka Pereira.

What prompted you to take up the role of Aron Ralston?
What attracted me most was the unusual structure of the film. There was this incredible story certainly,but what really drew me was also the fact that it would be a filmmaking experience unlike any that Ive had. With Danny Boyle involved with the project,it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to me.

After Slumdog Millionaire,Danny Boyle has become a very popular name. What were your thoughts while working with him?
I dont think I would have done this movie had it been any other director than him. For me,it was extremely important that Danny was involved. After working with him,I realise how much he pushes himself and makes films that are out of his own comfort zone. This is what drives him. He thrives on experimentation and tackling the unfamiliar. This is what I really love about him.

In most promos and stills you are shown struggling between boulders. How difficult was it filming for the movie?
Danny always likes to try new things. Here,we didnt want it to be about trying to re-create a real person,rather we wanted it to be about trying to feel this human experience. It was very important to show the audiences how Aron actually felt when he was stuck for 127 hours in Utah during a hiking trip.

A boulder was dislodged,crushing his right forearm and pinning it against the canyon wall. Physically for me,it was a very taxing shoot. I was in these narrow,uncomfortable spaces and off-kilter throughout the shoot. But it was such an interesting situation to portray that I was willing to go for it.

Some people who have seen this movie have been unable to stomach certain scenes,particularly when Ralston amputates his arm. Many have described certain portions as disturbing.
I truly believe that the reason that certain scenes feel so intense is actually the context and everything thats come before,and the audiences relationship to this character. You go through so much with this character that by the time you get to that scene,I think people want him to go through with it.

Have you met Aron Ralston?
Yes,I have. I first met Aron with the core team at a hotel in Los Angeles and he showed us his videos from Utah and it was incredibly powerful. He then asked me why I wanted to do this movie. I told him that his story really is a situation that forces people to look at his life. I was inspired by his will to live and his thoughts on life and death.

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You have already won many awards and were even nominated at the Golden Globe Awards.
I am just really happy that the film and Aron Ralstons story has been so well-received by the audiences.

Do you consider 127 Hours to be a turning point in your career?
Playing Aron definitely changed my life. Its given me an appreciation for my life and for the people in my life.

Prior to 127 Hours,your role as Harry Osborn in Spiderman was your biggest. Do you believe you have evolved as an actor?
Well,I used to be very aggressive about my acting and that kind of hurt my performances initially. Now,I think about acting differently. I still work really hard,but for my own sanity and happiness.

Whats next on the agenda?
I am doing this movie called Caesar: Rise Of The Apes with Freida Pinto and it is directed by Will Rodman. It will release this year-end.