Movie Review: Gravity is a Masterpiece
In a year full of superheroes and post-apocalyptic movies, Gravity stands out for its unique premise, deep suspense, and absolutely stunning 3D effects. A movie about space isn’t exactly a new concept, but I guarantee, you haven’t seen a movie like this. If you can, see this one in IMAX as well, it is just awesome!
As mentioned above, the premise isn’t really revolutionary. Two astronauts working on the Hubble Telescope are caught in a debris shower which tears apart the satellite and the space shuttle. They are left floating through space just above the Earth’s surface and must find a way to survive.
Sandra Bullock is amazing as Astronaut Ryan Stone (she’s named Ryan because her father wanted a boy and apparently wasn’t creative enough to come up with a second name). George Clooney plays his fairly typical charismatic, confident, playful jock-type in astronaut Matt Kowalski. He is a little too-good-to-be-true but provides a relief to Bullock’s dead serious Ryan Stone.
The visuals: Gravity is in a class by itself. It is how 3D should be done. There is no frantic shifts in perspective, or liberal use of explosions and flashes. The camera perspective remains stable and consistent while still generating a high level of suspense. It is reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Some of the sequences are truly breathtaking, watching things unfold right in front of your eyes as if you’re floating up there with them.
The sound: incredibly powerful. The sound effects have such impact because there aren’t much. Sound doesn’t carry in space. So while all sorts of action is happening, you hear nothing except the actors! It is very eerie. Sounds all come through when they travel through on object like the shuttle or a space station. Compared to other movies like Iron Man 3 or Pacific Rim, Gravity uses sound and music masterfully rather than just bashing you over the head with booms, bangs, and heavy instrumentals.
It is really the careful balance of visuals and sound that make this movie special. It doesn’t have any more of either compared to others, it just uses them better.
It is a movie that does more with less, in terms of plot, characters, and setting. I love that this movie doesn’t use superheroes, aliens, robots, or vampires to get your attention. Everything that happens in the movie could’ve happened or may happen in the near future.
Then there’s the human element: the figurative death and rebirth of Ryan Stone. Stone is haunted by the loss of her daughter, choosing to immerse herself in her work in order to avoid confronting the pain. At one point, she says all she does is work and drive. It makes for a highly accomplished and driven professional but also a pretty sad, hollow human being. She has no friends or family. In the isolation of space she is forced to deal with herself away from work. The trials of space press on her will to survive.
The movie has only five speaking parts, two actors, and one narrative. Ed Harris is mission control, which I didn’t realize until later. I thought that was a cool addition due to his role as Mission Control director Gene Kranz in Apollo 13.
It is in real-time, for the most part, which might sound unappealing but visionary director Alfonso Cuarón pulls it off. There is a constant level of suspense that keeps you engaged without wearing you down. The calm points aren’t really all that calm.
It will get Oscar consideration I am sure, making it one of those rare movies that is both awesome and highly regarded among the award-giving elites. 5 Stars and the best of the year so far.
J
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