“Gravity” is more than just a movie; it’s an experience like no other. It will turn every fear and worry you’ve ever known into mere child’s play.
This spine-tingling sci-fi thriller is filled to the brim with out-of-this-world visuals, not to mention a stellar performance from America’s sweetheart, Sandra Bullock. No wonder the film blasted off, earning an incredible 55.6 million dollars at the box office during its opening weekend — Sandra Bullock’s highest grossing film to date.
“Gravity” takes place in the cold, desolate realm of outer space. Top-notch medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone, played by Sandra Bullock, and veteran commander Matt Kowalski, played by George Clooney, are on a routine mission when disaster strikes and the space station is destroyed, leaving the two astronauts adrift in space as the only survivors. With no way to communicate to anyone on Earth and a shortage of oxygen, Stone and Kowalski have to work together to find the nearest space station.
While Sandra Bullock is well known for appearing in many comedies and dramas, she’s not the most familiar face in science fiction. This unexpected casting choice made me even more excited to see “Gravity.” And I wasn’t disappointed. What I love the most about her performance is the amount of warmth that she brings to her character. As the movie progresses, it’s revealed that Dr. Stone is dealing with a traumatic personal loss. Yet, she learns to overcome it.
The emotions that pour out of her throughout the performance and the courage that blossoms from her struggles are essential to the film; this is what the story is all about — letting go and facing your fears even when all is lost. Bullock has already won the Actress of the Year award at the Hollywood Film Festival for her role, so it’s safe to say an Oscar nomination is in the cards.
Though Clooney’s Kowalski is the force that keeps Dr. Stone’s spirits high with his repeated line, “It’s gonna be one hell of a ride,” I wasn’t too thrilled or mesmerized with his acting performance, as his role is fairly small. He’s an amazing actor, but Bullock is the true star of this film.
“Gravity” is directed and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, who worked on this project alongside his brother, Jonás, for five years. Alfonso has a deep passion for outer space and wanted to bring the astronaut experience to screen. To show such astounding visuals, the film’s crew had to get the physics exactly right. It took extensive training, research and time to unlearn the usual conventions of physics and re-create a world where there is no up or down.
In the final product, the camera shots may be the most realistic ever seen in a movie set in space. When most people leave the theaters from seeing action-packed, surrealistic films, they often comment on how real the fictional world seemed. While it can be a great thrill, hearing that phrase gets really corny. However, “Gravity” takes it to the next level; from beginning to end, you seriously feel as if you are in space.
The feeling is so real that, as I was watching Dr. Stone tumbling away after being detached from the shuttle, I got lightheaded. Some of the footage almost looks as if the camera is floating in space. It is that real. The most impressive shot is the first 13 minutes, when the space station is destroyed by satellite debris. Picture the movie screen ripping open and bits of shrapnel zooming right past. It didn’t just project out of the screen; it saw me as its target like an arrow on fire, then magically veered, just missing my ear. This shot was all done in one take, making it one of the longest tracking shots — in which the camera is placed on a platform with wheels and moves while filming — in movie history and the first 3-D tracking shot.
“Gravity” is nothing short of a masterpiece. With spectacular visuals and the dynamic duo of Bullock and Clooney, this film stands out among the rest. And remember, this is not just a movie. After you leave the theater, your whole perspective on life will re-arrange. Soon snakes, bees and midterms will seem like nothing. I mean, it’s not as if you are all alone drifting in space.
