127 Hours Filmed On Location in Utah

Not too long ago, I did an article on Director Danny Boyle’s latest movie 127 Hours, filmed on location in the beautiful red rock country of Moab, Utah.

Fast forward four months later to an evening in September 12, 2010, 127 Hours, a film based on the true story of outdoorsman Aron Ralston, had its first public screening at the Toronto Film Festival.

The reaction to the film was visceral and intense, with its audience “peeking at the screen through parted fingers.” There were “gasps and a standing ovation” for both the director and the film’s main actor James Franco. And yes, there were also Oscar talks. And a few people fainted.

I haven’t seen the movie yet, but did manage to watch the trailer. Three times.

The preview blew me away. I’m in awe of real-life hero Aron Ralston, and am pleasantly surprised at the acting talent of James Franco. But what impresses me most is the other main character of the movie — the gorgeous, sun-drenched, red rock canyon country of Utah. To give you a feel of what that landscape is like, I’ve screen captured a few shots from the movie trailer here.

127 Hours is already on the list of one of the “5 buzz-worthy films from the Toronto Film Festival.” Its release to the public in November 2010 will of course bring more visitors to Utah. And not just us Americans folks I’m sure, since British movie buffs will also get a chance to experience southern Utah in October at the BFI London Film Festival.

Dollars-and-cents-wise, 127 Hours along with Walt Disney Co.’s production of Edgar Rice Burrough’s John Carter of Mars have already contributed $30 million to Utah’s economy this year. 127 Hours alone brought in $14 million. It looks like Utah’s film tax incentive program is doing its job nicely.

For the rest of us movie lovers, after 127 Hours … we may never forget Utah.

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