While the boatloads of memes have ensured that Spider-Man 3 still remains relevant in the pop culture zeitgeist, in a vacuum, the threequel doesn’t hold a candle to its two predecessors. But while emo Pete rubbed fans the wrong way upon the movie’s initial release, it was James Franco’s Harry, aka Green Goblin Jr., that was the most disappointing aspect of the movie.
Not only his two movies’ worth of development was shelved to the corner to make room for more villains, but Franco’s performance didn’t exactly fit the tone of the movie they were going for. However, despite the shortcomings, the goofiness embedded within the movie ensures an enjoyable experience for viewers, which can’t be said for Franco’s critically acclaimed 127 Hours.
127 Hours Proved To Be Overwhelming for Viewers
Directed by Danny Boyle, 127 Hours is often considered James Franco‘s best work to date, which went on to score six Oscar nods and grossed over $60M at the box office. However, it wasn’t its critical reception that made major headlines on its release, but the health hazard that followed it.
Based on the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston, who amputated his own arm with a blunt knife after getting trapped by a boulder, 127 Hours doesn’t shy away from its graphic portrayal of the event. But this proved to be too much for some, as there were reports of viewers fainting, vomiting, suffering seizures, etc, the likes of which were never seen since The Exorcist‘s release back in ’73.
Even though the film is leagues ahead of Franco’s Spider-Man 3 objectively, its graphic nature can be too overwhelming for some viewers, especially considering the intimate nature of the film.
James Franco’s 127 Hours Delivers a More Personal Experience for Viewers
Considering 127 Hours solely focuses on Franco’s Aaron, the Spider-Man 3 star stressed that this factor makes the whole experience more intense and personal. Even though horror flicks are no stranger when it comes to delving into such gore, viewers’ personal journey with Aaron added more weight to the amputation scene, as Franco described “It feels like it’s happening to you”.
It’s meant to be an intense, personal, immersive experience. This isn’t a horror film… you’re spending the entire movie with one guy. You, as the audience, are going through it with Aron. When you watch the footage of him talking into that video camera to his family, you feel like he’s talking directly to you. And when he cuts off his arm, maybe it feels like it’s happening to you.
While the film can prove to be a tough watch for some, it’s safe to say Franco’s Oscar nod for Best Actor for the film was entirely justified, as the whole experience hinged on his shoulder alone.
127 Hours is available to stream on Max.
