Where does one begin to discuss a film so full of ambition and talent and power? Yes, this is what some consider a 'science fiction' film, though nothing I have seen in theaters has felt more visceral and real this year. 'Gravity' could very well be a crown jewel in the career of Alfonso Cuaron, the ambitious director behind films like 'Children of Men,' 'Y Tu Mama Tambien,' even 'A Little Princess.'
The film is without a doubt the technical masterpiece of the year. Hands down, case closed. Take the first shot, for example. We see earth, slowly passing below us as we look down from space. A tiny speck appears amongst the stars; this is the space shuttle our heroes are based around. And the shot keeps going, and going, through dialogue, and stunning visuals, to a crash, to separation, panic, confusion - perhaps a single take lasting 20 or more minutes. Done entirely in computers, but that's what makes it all the more thrilling. This is filmmaking at its best, when it leaves the audience wondering how any of this could have been practically done!
And yes, the crash. We learn through Houston radio interface that a nearby satellite broke apart, leading to a chain reaction of shrapnel and debris that is flying through space faster than a bullet. In perhaps the most thrilling and haunting crash scenes I can remember, the horror unfolds as the crew and shuttle are broken apart in a cloud of flying metal. Biblical in proportions, it's all the more terrifying in that it occurs with no sound (don't forget, sound does not carry in space).
The mission is changed, and we are left with the two remaining crew members: Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney). Stone is assigned to this mission as a first-timer, she is no astronaut, just a scientist. She panics under pressure, she doesn't follow orders well, she's running out of oxygen. Kowalski, alternatively, carries a calm demeanor that allows the fear to mellow out.
The performances are great, especially Bullock. Her acting range has been questioned by me for some time, but here she represents a believable character thrust into cataclysmic events. I was all the more impressed with the acting considering how the majority of this film must have been done with wires, blue screen, and computer trickery. Reacting to nothing has never felt more real.
Back to our technical praises, though. Like 'Life of Pi' and 'Inception,' this film seems guaranteed to take the cake as Best Visual Effects and Cinematography at next year's Oscars. The two awards seem to go hand in hand now, and it's impossible to imagine a win for any other film (seen or not). Emmanuel Lubezki, perhaps the second-best cinematographer currently working (we never forget Roger Deakins!), has been snubbed time and again by the Oscars (5 to be exact: A Little Princess, Sleepy Hollow, The New World, Children of Men, and Tree of Life (that being one of the most appalling snubs in Oscar history, mind you)). This film seems like his final ticket to Oscar gold. The gorgeous camera direction, the raw lighting during sunrise and sunset, and the ever-important maneuvering of visual effects. You won't see another film like this in theaters, and might I suggest seeing it on the largest screen possible (and in 3D, I promise).
The film has been compared to the likes of '2001,' but I think comparing the two is a tad overreaching. Both films are masterpieces of technical filmmaking and visuals, both seek towards a deeper human meaning. Perhaps the best comparison would be to classify each film as some of the best of the genre. Bravo, Mr. Cuaron!
Maureen says:
"I hate space."
Those three memorable words perfectly describe Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock)'s trip to outer space in Alfonso Cuaron's action/suspense/sci-fi thriller, "Gravity." This film is unique, impressive, and incredibly well-envisioned. I have rarely, if ever, seen production value as high as this or experienced - because it IS an experience - entertainment at this level. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat and/or completely tense, adrenaline pumping, throughout most of the film's 90 minutes.
The story begins aboard the space shuttle as Dr. Stone (Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) attempt to repair some equipment outside of the spacecraft. The "abort mission" warning comes quickly and urgently from Houston, though for those who have seen the trailers, not quickly enough. Destruction and chaos ensue in an incredibly visceral and frightening action sequence. The sound and visuals intertwine immaculately to produce a scene so realistic, you nearly feel that you yourself are a part of the madness. In fact, a couple of times Ryan is spinning through space, I nearly lost my dinner just sitting there in my 3D glasses. (Yes, complete agreement with John - see it in 3D on the biggest screen you can.) The action continues throughout the duration of the film, with barely a moment to catch your breath before the next crisis occurs.
This film is exceptionally good in a few notable and important categories. The visual effects, sound editing, and sound mixing are stunning. "Gravity" compares incredibly well to the level of visual achievement reached by the best of the best - "Avatar," "Inception," "Life of Pi," to name a few. Not only are the effects technically impressive, the cinematography is beautiful. You'll see the Earth like you've never seen her before. On top of this, birth/creation symbolism throughout is striking. Emmanuel Lubezki is sure to be recognized for his work, hopefully for the win.
The beautiful imagery is complemented by a terrific performance by Sandra Bullock. Her portrayal of Ryan is human, sensitive, and real. You are with her every turn of the journey and feel her every emotion. Her performance is emphasized with the knowledge that she is essentially reacting to computer-generated nothingness... She is, of course, well supported by George Clooney, a calming presence in a situation that is anything but.
"Gravity" is not perfect, however... as a story and emotional tapestry typically required of Oscar-winning films, it falls short. Despite attempts of character development and emotional attachment, I never felt connected to Ryan or Kowalski's characters - this is where Bullock's acting was a saving grace, because the writing wasn't helping her out all that much. A few stereotypical "Hollywood-y" lines/moments also detracted from the film as a whole. "Apollo 13," which tells a similar story, achieve character development in a very real and emotional way, connecting the audience to the human characters themselves rather than just the situation they find themselves in. Although "Gravity" is arguably superior to "Apollo 13" in its visual prowess, to me, it doesn't do nearly as well in its storytelling.
Despite its shortcomings, "Gravity" is incredibly entertaining and a masterpiece of technical and cinematographic achievement. It is sure to do very well, if not sweep, the technical Oscars this year, and it is easily one of the best films so far.
(Awards potential: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Bullock), Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Score)
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