The film has a number of unique traits through its presentation and production. Much of the plot, according to the real Ralston, is extremely accurate, despite a few dramatic changes to the opening scenes. The film itself is almost entirely carried by Franco, who portrays Ralston's journey in surviving and attempting to escape the situation. There are many fantasy sequences, which often highlight Ralston's growing unhealthy state as he begins to hallucinate. In some scenes, diagetic sounds within the situation are heightened to add realism and intensity to the scene. In particular, a climactic scene where Ralston must self-amputate his own arm increases and highlights the sound of him slicing into flesh and through nerves to give a sense of unease.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vo3INoJZLA - Arm Amputation Scene.
The soundtrack for the film isn't in relation to the film's time period, but reflects the personal selection of the character of Aron Ralston. It's possible that Ralston himself had a say in the music selection to add authenticity to the film. These include the likes of Bill Withers and Dido. A score was also produced amongst this for scenes which required fitting music for accompaniment.
One particular scene sees Ralston recording a video message that he prepares should he die and and his body be discovered. This scene is based on real video footage made by Ralston whilst he was trapped by the boulder in 2003. Though the film footage is not available on YouTube, the real footage is and is here. The movie captures this video from the same viewpoint of the camcorder with Franco's words being identical to Ralston's: