“Gravity” - Directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Starring Sandra
Bullock and George Clooney. This review contains spoilers so if you haven’t
seen the movie you should probably check it out first.
There is a video version of this review you can WATCH HERE
“Gravity” is the story of Ryan Stone played by Sandra
Bullock. She’s an engineer on her first mission to repair the Hubble Telescope.
A cloud of satellite debris orbiting the earth destroys the space shuttle
Explorer killing the entire crew except Ryan and Matt Kowalski played by George
Clooney. They have to work together to survive.
After seeing this film I spent a long time reading and
watching reviews. I also read a lot of comments on the youtube videos reviews.
The pattern is very clear. Some hate and some love it. The only common ground
seems to be that it’s absolutely visually breathtaking. And who can argue with
that right? If you didn’t see this film in a theatre and especially in IMAX 3D
you missed a golden opportunity. It’s an experience very few films deliver.
Those who don’t like “Gravity” seem to complain a lot about
the script or the lack of it and even say that film won’t work outside of a 3D
screening. Many say that watching this film in 2D at home will reveal its
weaknesses and confirm how bad it really is. It’s nothing but a visual effects
ride from start to finish and it might as
well be a ride in a theme park.
I’ve seen “Gravity” three times now. Twice in IMAX 3D when
it came out and just now, before I starting writing this review. I wanted to
see if the IN FACT the film was different when viewed at home without the aid
of 3D and the spectacle that an IMAX screening provides.
Not to my surprise, my opinion did not change. “Gravity” is
an absolute masterpiece. Allow me to explain why I think that.
Let’s start with what most people criticize. The script. For
me this whole film is a metaphor for overcoming insurmountable obstacles. More specifically
depression and personal loss of any kind. Everything is there and easy to
interpret. What people call a cheesy sob story that Ryan tells to Kowalski about
her daughter that died is in fact the heart of the film and the strongest link
the film establishes with the audience. That’s why we’re watching this film.
It’s not about satellite debris destroying a space shuttle and killing people.
It’s about human endurance. It’s about how strong a person can really be when
things seem hopeless. Ryan sinks so deep at one point that she decides to
commit suicide. She turns off the oxygen and accepts her fate. We can hear a
crying baby over the radio and a father singing a lullaby. That’s when Clooney’s
character, Kowalski, magically reappears in the film. Ryan reacts and finds new
strength in herself to keep fighting and survive. For me that scene is
incredibly layered. It represents something that many people need at some point
in their lives. A wake up call. Finally we see Ryan re-enter earth and crash
land on the water. She swims up after struggling not to drown and lays on the
mud smiling in relief to then rise and face a new life. Also the way that final
shot is framed is no accident. The low angle showing Ryan rising up is
incredibly strong and again, incredibly layered.
This film is speaking out to millions of people that struggle with their own personal problems every day. Be it depression, personal loss or whatever you can think of. Basically people who feel lost and hopeless. I think “Gravity” is inspiring and, if only for a brief moment, it brings hope But of course it’s not just all that that makes this film a masterpiece in my eyes. The rest is an easy sell. Alfonso Cuaron is an amazing director and this film is an achievement that very few filmmakers can brag about having in their resume. The staging and the compositions of this film are absolutely inspired and unique. This film opens with a shot that lasts over 12 minutes or so. One single tracking shot that covers the setup of the film and the catalyst of the story. Just think about that for a minute. 12 minutes of seamlessly uncut footage. Most films have dozens of shots after 12 minutes. But who are we kidding here? “Gravity” is not like most films. And it’s not just because of the length of the shot that I say this it’s because of the quality of the shot and how it tells the story and the way you don’t even notice how the shot lasts that long. That’s where the genius of Curaon is at and that’s one of the reasons he won an academy award for best director.
I think it’s pointless to talk too much about the visual effects in this film. It’s a technological achievement. Period. Unlike many blockbusters that come out every year this film’s visual effects are flawless and always work to serve the story. What I would like to bring up though, is the sound. The sound effects and mixing of this film are amazing and really put the cherry on top of those amazing visuals. I love how Cuaron uses sound to help tell the story and how it puts us in Ryan’s shoes. During the opening scene when Ryan is detached and spinning the camera slowly navigates inside her helmet and the sound changes to what she hears as opposed to the radio frequency we were hearing before. Those type of details enhance the experience that is watching “Gravity”. There are many other examples of how the use of sound or the absence of it is masterful. I like how Cuaron gives a nod to Stanley Kubrick in that sense.
Sandra Bullock delivers one of the best performances of her career in this film. I don’t need to say anything else about her. If you know anything about acting at all you cannot criticize her in any way. It’s beautiful to watch. Clooney is Clooney. He’s extremely effective and likable and his scenes balance the mood of the film extremely well. I love the scene I mentioned earlier when Ryan is hallucinating and he gets inside the escape pod to have a sip of vodka. He provides a breather for the audience. A moment to relax a little bit.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning Steven Price’s Oscar winning music. The score is beautiful and inspiring and it elevates the film to even higher standards. I listen to it almost every day, especially the last three tracks of the soundtrack album. It’s amongst my favorite scores and believe me I listen to a lot of film soundtracks. It’s unforgettable stuff.
I honestly don’t understand all the hate “Gravity” gets from
so many people. Yes there are a few less inspired lines and a detail here or
there that isn’t that credible but I think those details are besides the point.
As I said, this is not a film about some astronauts in trouble or absolute
scientific accuracy. That’s just the background. The setting. This is a film
about overcoming incredible odds. There is a lot more to “Gravity” than a
shallow theme park ride so many insist on calling it. See past the obvious and take
a peek behind the curtain and you’ll find a much deeper film. This film is speaking out to millions of people that struggle with their own personal problems every day. Be it depression, personal loss or whatever you can think of. Basically people who feel lost and hopeless. I think “Gravity” is inspiring and, if only for a brief moment, it brings hope But of course it’s not just all that that makes this film a masterpiece in my eyes. The rest is an easy sell. Alfonso Cuaron is an amazing director and this film is an achievement that very few filmmakers can brag about having in their resume. The staging and the compositions of this film are absolutely inspired and unique. This film opens with a shot that lasts over 12 minutes or so. One single tracking shot that covers the setup of the film and the catalyst of the story. Just think about that for a minute. 12 minutes of seamlessly uncut footage. Most films have dozens of shots after 12 minutes. But who are we kidding here? “Gravity” is not like most films. And it’s not just because of the length of the shot that I say this it’s because of the quality of the shot and how it tells the story and the way you don’t even notice how the shot lasts that long. That’s where the genius of Curaon is at and that’s one of the reasons he won an academy award for best director.
I think it’s pointless to talk too much about the visual effects in this film. It’s a technological achievement. Period. Unlike many blockbusters that come out every year this film’s visual effects are flawless and always work to serve the story. What I would like to bring up though, is the sound. The sound effects and mixing of this film are amazing and really put the cherry on top of those amazing visuals. I love how Cuaron uses sound to help tell the story and how it puts us in Ryan’s shoes. During the opening scene when Ryan is detached and spinning the camera slowly navigates inside her helmet and the sound changes to what she hears as opposed to the radio frequency we were hearing before. Those type of details enhance the experience that is watching “Gravity”. There are many other examples of how the use of sound or the absence of it is masterful. I like how Cuaron gives a nod to Stanley Kubrick in that sense.
Sandra Bullock delivers one of the best performances of her career in this film. I don’t need to say anything else about her. If you know anything about acting at all you cannot criticize her in any way. It’s beautiful to watch. Clooney is Clooney. He’s extremely effective and likable and his scenes balance the mood of the film extremely well. I love the scene I mentioned earlier when Ryan is hallucinating and he gets inside the escape pod to have a sip of vodka. He provides a breather for the audience. A moment to relax a little bit.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning Steven Price’s Oscar winning music. The score is beautiful and inspiring and it elevates the film to even higher standards. I listen to it almost every day, especially the last three tracks of the soundtrack album. It’s amongst my favorite scores and believe me I listen to a lot of film soundtracks. It’s unforgettable stuff.
See you next time and don’t forget to keep your feet on the ground.
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