Gravity

My Grade:  A+

There are not many films that reach the level of hype Gravity did before its release. The combination of critical acclaim, strong cast, a highly competent director, and the advanced technology used during production had people talking about how perfect the film is months before it was released to the general public. I’m not sure anyone thought it could actually live up to all the hype but it actually exceeds it.

Gravity is a simple story about a medical engineer in space for the first time and a seasoned astronaut who battle for their lives after a devastating accident which leaves them stranded in the harshest of all environments. Part of what allows the film to span every demographic is the fact that it speaks to a universal concept:  survival. But, without the charismatic (and funny) performance from George Clooney and the absolute best performance of Sandra Bullock’s impressive career, the film would not have the gravity it does. Clooney is like a real live Buzz Lightyear and Bullock is flawless. You will laugh. You will cry. You will gasp. You will bite your fingernails. And that’s just because of the story... which isn’t even why this film was widely talked about at first.

The reason everyone was talking about Gravity is partially because of the anti-gravity effects (ironically), partially because of the lighting effects, and mostly because of the stunning visuals director Alfonso Cuaron offers us. I’ve never been to space but feel like I have after watching this film. Every shot is gorgeous and looks real. It’s the closest thing to shooting on location in outer space in the history of cinema.  Who knows, maybe they actually shot in space and didn’t tell anyone... it wouldn’t surprise me because of how perfect it looks. 

The cinematography is one of my favorite aspects to this film because it immerses you in the story. The camera floats around as if it’s in anti-gravity while employing Cuaron’s famous technique of using very long, single shots to tell his story. This approach makes it so realistic and makes you feel like you are there (especially in 3D). Then he takes us into Bullock’s point of view, immersing us even further into our own struggle for survival, leading to his lesson which encourages all of us to take a look at our own struggles and leave it all on the line to overcome them and continue living life to its fullest.

I usually can find something wrong with every film I watch but not with Gravity. It is jaw-dropping, spectacular cinema and has set the bar very high for filmmakers. But if I was forced to come up with one thing that could be considered a flaw, I’d say that it’s almost too tense, making it a bit unbelievable. Unbelievable that so many things could go wrong at every single turn for these characters. But the amazing part is that Cuaron makes us believe it.

Overall the film is immaculate and should be seen in the movie theater (unless you have a 3D TV and stunning surround sound at your house) because the epic soundtrack and visuals help make this movie the immersive masterpiece that it is. It may be the most engrossing film I’ve ever seen. I also am happy to see the box office success of this film because it is not only an original film in a market inundated with remakes, sequels, and adaptations; but it’s also a supremely well-made film. The success of this kind of film may encourage filmmakers to step up their game from a technical standpoint and may help convince studios to spend money on producing original content. But maybe not. Either way, Gravity is out of this world... pun intended.