Gravity Movie Review
Nathan Swank
October 4th, 2013
“Don’t let go.” The haunting tagline to GRAVITY is more than the literal implication of Sandra Bullock’s character Ryan Stone hanging on to whatever she might find as to not drift aimlessly into the vast grandness of space, but also as a figurative translation not to give up on life. This singular struggle with complex obstacles is a heart-pounding event like you’ve never seen on the big screen. But a closer look at director Alfonso Cuaron’s simple story provides a deeper layer within one’s soul creating a masterpiece in filmmaking.
Now for a more direct take – GO SEE GRAVITY. The experience of seeing this film on the big screen is a must. The special effects are completely out of this world. Everything looks so believably real that one can’t help but be immersed into the action, losing oneself completely. It won’t be until after the credits roll where you begin to process exactly what you saw and ask yourself, “how did they do that?” GRAVITY not only sucks you into its airless vortex, but it shakes your senses and rattles the brain until you find yourself holding your breath waiting for that chance to breathe again.
The film takes place almost entirely in outer space where astronauts Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are set in unthinkable circumstances of being adrift in open space. There is a sense of loneliness and helplessness that permeates throughout GRAVITY as our characters must continually fight their way to keep alive and not lose hope. Each victory is short-lived as the next life-threatening danger is imminent.
GRAVITY will surely be a front contender in just about every category come award season. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous as the camera floats throughout the picture in incredible long shots that seem to capture every possible detail. One could take out the dialogue completely and find a very moving and powerful story just by the images captured. Alfonso Cuaron doesn’t hide his metaphor for being born again, lingering on striking images symbolizing the creation of life. From the magnificent conception to the fetus in a mother’s womb, GRAVITY emerges through the birth canal beautifully in a perfect symbiotic telling of a physical and internal transformation.
Aside from the technical aspects, the characters and conversations provide an authenticity that quickly teaches the audience who these people are. This is an aspect that movies tend to always struggle with, but Alfonso Cuaron along with his son Jonas Cuaron wrote a screenplay that is gripping because it finds that human element. It’s tough to believe that other actresses were first chosen for this role as Sandra Bullock is a revelation in what is clearly her finest and most understated performance.
If 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and APOLLO 13 are the quintessential space movies, GRAVITY easily slides itself into this list and arguably surpasses these great films. Rarely is a film so exhaustingly immersive that one requires a shoulder massage to release the tension from simply sitting in a comfortable theater chair. GRAVITY is a breathtaking event that should be experienced by all.
GRAVITY 3D REVIEW
I’m the first person to say that 3D is an overused gimmick but GRAVITY utilizes the amazing technology to its fullest potential. I cannot recommend enough the importance of catching the film on both 3D and IMAX. GRAVITY is intended to be seen on the biggest screen possible to fully immerse oneself into the grand spectacle.
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