Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle is planning to make a film based on the true story of an American climber who hacked off part of his arm with a knife after it became trapped under a rock, it has emerged.

According to Daily Variety, the Oscar winner will direct 127 Hours based on mountaineer Aron Ralston's ordeal in Utah's Blue John Canyon in 2003.

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, reports The Mirror.

The mountaineer documented his experience in a book entitled Between a Rock and a Hard Place. He has also appeared on US talk shows and is now a corporate speaker.

The production of the film is due to begin in 2010 and is expected to release late next year.