Gravity: Movie Review


"Gravity" is a visual masterpiece - no doubt about that. We could honestly say that this is the definitive film to watch with the biggest screen available and this time, the 3D option is not even just a recommendation; it is a requirement. But deeper than the visual force you will find yourselves in with "Gravity" is its story and philosophy. Things unseen that tackles one's humanity, fragility and tranquility, and at the same time, chaos of space. Things that are imperceptible but one that truly moves this film further to greater heights.

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission. With her is veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) who is in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes as a Russian satellite breaks up and causes a chain reaction of destruction in its path. Soon, space debris destroy's their space shuttle, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone - tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them that they have completely lost any link to Earth and with that, any chance of rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

"Gravity", minus the pun, pulls you in with its visual spectacle and audacity. The film employs a slew of camera techniques to bring you closer and closer to actually being up there in space. Our favorite is the first person view shots where in you see what Dr. Ryan Stone sees. This, as you can just imagine, ramps up everything to another level. We can also honestly say that Alfonso Cuaron's direction was flawless as he was able to weasel his way through the stilled calm against the frenetic chaos and the uncontrollable nature of the vacuum of space. On the narrative end, it takes a back seat to the visuals, but it does not mean it wasn't as effective. In fact, it is one of the film's stronger points. The story tackles our characters' humanity, death and existence in such subtle way through little conversations that might seem trivial at first but actually moving. This is thanks in no part to the interplay of the two leads. Clooney's care free and calm character to Bullock's scared as hell attitude might at seem odd but in reality, the two polarities give this film much depth. In the end, all we can say is that "Gravity" is a film that one must see for themselves to fully grasp its power. Visually, it is a tour-de-force and having a side of a great story and even greater characters just makes this seemingly perfect.

Rating: 5 reels





Why you should watch it:
- this is a masterpiece in terms of its visuals
- the story while taking a back seat carries its own weight

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the slow pace might turn some off

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