Gravity is basically about a Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), a engineer on her very first mission in space, alongside a veteran astronaut on his last ride to the stars, Matt Kowalski (George Clooney), fighting for survival after debris from a Russian Satellite destroyed the space shuttle. This is much more than the drifting off in space film that so many people assumed. It is one hell of a white-knuckle ride from start to finish.
I walked into this film expecting to be stunned visually, I was not prepared for what I was about to see. In the history of cinema there has never been a film to capture the beauty of space and earth on the basic levels they are until now. This will likely be the closest I will ever get to being in space truly. You get so drawn in the film in the very first minute that you feel like you are there on the Hubble and Challenger with the astronauts. I was speechless at the pure wonder I was witnessing as Dr. Stone worked on the Hubble Telescope and Kowalski flew around on the jet pack.
Director Alfonso Cuaron knows extended sequences better than almost any other director. He utilizes the format to not only push the limits of imagination, but the feeling of being part of the movie and not just watching it. The opening sequence was perfectly executed with nearly 20 minutes of extended awesomeness. Now that isn't the only area of the film that has it, but Cuaron picked the most precious moments to do this to show the compelling story visually and story wise.
The 3D and CGI is flawless from start to finish. I'm usually a hater of 3D in movies ever since the resurgence of it a few years ago with a few exceptions. The biggest one being Avatar. That movie just blew my mind with the Jungle sequences because I was drawn into the world instead of drawn out. Many have tried to harness the power of 3D but fail miserably, but Cuaron has found that perfect sanction between when 3D is used to develop layers to story and just to freak you out.
The CGI universe (also actual world) developed in this film was breathtaking. More often than not, I felt like they actually filmed this in space. I was getting lost in this universe created and that is what movies are all about essentially. You can't have this beautiful environment without stunning sound.
The music and sound of this film will blow everyones mind because of its sheer realism. In Space there is no sound. We are hearing what the astronauts are hearing through vibrations in what they touch. The music is so touching and goes to heart pounding beautifulness when we are along for the ride of Dr. Stone. In an area of the universe where there is no sound, they did one hell of a job to making it one of the best sounding movies all time. Hearing just Sandra Bullock and George Clooney talk throughout was great in itself because of the great chemistry between the two.
A movie with just 2 people in space for 90 minutes, you better have a great cast to carry it. I must say the two leads were fantastically cast with the worried, greenhorn Sandra Bullock, and the charismatic seasoned George Clooney. They are like polar opposites but you can feel the connection they have as they fight for survival. I can see Oscars in these stars future because of this film. Sandra Bullock emotion throughout was just unbelievable. You feel her hurting, loneliness, and perseverance.
Gravity pulled all the emotional strings with the heart pounding, white knuckle fight for survival in a land of great unknown wonders and sheer beauty. This film sparked an emotion of fear and wonder of a place I haven't though out about like that since I was a little kid. The hypnotic sight of space has fully been captured on film finally, along with the unparralled beauty of Earth. This film will take you on a ride you will never forget. My sense of wonder has been reinstalled.
Side Note: Must see in IMAX 3D where available because it is breathtaking and well worth it!
A+
