SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

THE DESIGN SCHOOL

FOUNDATION IN NATURAL BUILD ENVIRONMENT

NAME: ADELE LU KHAI SYN

STUDENT ID NO: 0323151

FILMS SELECTED: DISASTER: THE IMPOSSIBLE AND

ADVENTURE: 127 HOURS

WORD COUNT: 940

ENGLISH 2 (ELG 30605)

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1: COMPARE – CONTRAST ESSAY

LECTURER: GOPIGHANTAN MYLVAGANAM

SUBMISSION DATE: DECEMBER 4TH 2015

THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE IMPOSSIBLE AND 127 HOURS

As movies have turned into a huge form of entertainment with the rapid advancement of technology in this brand new era, many different genres of films are being produced each and every year. Film genres are various forms or identifiable types, categories, classifications or groups of films that are recurring and have similar. Of all the film genres, disaster and adventure films have seemed to catch my attention because of its exciting story lines and amazing on-screen effects. So, what is a disaster film? They refer to impending or ongoing disaster as its subject and primary plot device. While for adventure films, they are exciting stories with new experiences or exotic locales. They are also designed to provide an action-filled, energetic experience for the film viewer.  For that I have chosen The Impossible for my disaster film and 127 hours as my adventure film. These two films are unique in its own way and have shown a clear contrast in the personalities of the character, the problem faced and its impact upon their lives and lastly, the settings of the film.

First, I would like to make a contrast on the personalities of the character for both films. The Impossible, a film based on one family’s true story of survival. I would like to talk about Lucas the eldest son of the Bennett family is a boy as terrified as he is tenacious, who must bury his horror and become a young hero who supports his mom to safety at the top of a tree, screams for help from rescuers, and watches over his sick mother on her bed in a refugee clinic while, throughout it all, on the brittle edge of his own breakdown. On the other hand, in 127 Hours, an adventure film based on the true survival story of Aron Ralston, a 35 years old American man who loves to go on adventure trips. However, Aron’s strong passion for his hobby as an adventurous mountain climber has seemed to put his life off the balance, he did not realize that he’s been taking his loved ones for granted while planning on his adventurous trip all alone.

Secondly, the character in each film had experienced different problem faced. In The Impossible, Lucas faced many families that lost their children, parents, and also their love ones in the tragedy. Lucas was encouraged to help the other survivors reunite with their families while his mother was at the hospital. Lucas helps a majority of white European tourists by compiling lists of the victims’ lost family members. He had a hard time in finding those victims as the hospital is all crowded with people. When little Daniel was eventually reunited with his father, this gives Lucas a strong sense of the joy of helping others. Meanwhile, in 127 Hour, Aron slipped and fell down the chasm when he was heading down a narrow slot in the Blue John Canyon, dislodging a 360kg chock stone boulder and crushing down on his right forearm pinning it against the canyon wall. For five and a half days, he struggled hard to get himself free from all the tragedy, until he was forced to do the unthinkable. Using a blunt knife from his multi-tool, he began dismembering his arm.

In addition, the impacts of struggle upon the character’s life in both films are distinct. In The Impossible, Lucas came the longest way throughout the film. He starts off as a typical pre-teen boy, a bit full of himself and wanting his alone time. While he was nursing his mother back to health, however, he gained a strong sense of love for his family and those

around him that he didn’t seem to have before. As for 127 hours, Aron began hallucinating when he was on the border of giving up his life. He realized that he has so much to say to the people he loved around him before his life was drawn to an end. He regretted for not returning his mother’s calls, regretted for not telling anyone his whereabouts and regretted for taking his love ones for granted.

Lastly, the different settings are shown in each film. For The Impossible, the disaster took place at Khao Lak Orchid Beach Resort, Phang Nga, Thailand. A great place for a family to spend Christmas together but it turns out to be a tragedy that will forever be kept in the heart where they got caught in the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Meanwhile, For 127 Hour, the adventure took place at Blue John Canyons, a beautiful place in which when the sun goes down on the canyon land, it baths the vast rock formations and caverns in a deep red glow. However, it could also be a terrifying place because a scream for help would have been swallowed with echoes during the day while a cry for help would only be met with silence when it’s the close of day.

In a nutshell, the uniqueness for each film is clearly shown through the contrast in personalities of the character, the struggles faced, its impact and also the settings of the specific film. Both films have not failed in delivering an in-depth message and inspiring life lessons to the audiences. The indefatigability and determination in seeking for survival and the sense of regret portrayed by both the character itself has cast a reflection upon me and brought me to moments of deep in thought. Lastly, I would like to say that these two films are great films which are able to touch people’s hearts and bring about an inner-thought about life.

References

Bayona, J. (Director). (2012). The Impossible [Motion picture]. Thailand.

Colson, C. & Smithson, J. (Producer), & Boyle, D. (Director). (2010). 127 Hours [Motion Picture]. United States & United Kingdom: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Hannaford, A. (2011). 127 Hours: Aron Ralston's story of survival. Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved November 27, 2015, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/8223925/127-Hours- Aron-Ralstons-story-of-survival.html

Secher, B. (2013). The Impossible: Real-life disaster movie. Retrieved November 29, 2015, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/9769913/The-Impossible-real-life-disaster-movie.html