Boyle to film climber’s story

SLUMDOG Millionaire director Danny Boyle is to film the true story of an American climber who hacked off part of his arm with a knife after it became trapped under a rock, according to reports.

The award-winning film-maker is confirming plans to direct 127 Hours, based on Aron Ralston’s extraordinary ordeal in Utah’s Blue John Canyon in 2003, US entertainment magazine Variety reported.

In a desperate bid for survival, Ralston used a blunt knife and pliers to amputate his right forearm after it was pinned between a boulder and the canyon wall for nearly five days. Production is due to begin in 2010, with the film scheduled for release late next year.