Gravity
3.5 stars out of 4
By Brett Takeshita
Gravity is a miraculous motion picture for the ages. It showcases the nearly infinite possibilities that cinema provides and proves just why the movies are one of the best forms of entertainment.
Ryan (Sandra Bullock) is an intelligent engineer who is conducting some research while on her first journey through space. She is joined by the veteran astronaut, Matt (George Clooney). Things seem comfortable at first -- peaceful, quiet, and serene. But things turn dire once a Russian missile strikes a satellite and sends a wave of debris hurtling towards Ryan and Matt. Soon, the two people are sent flying into the middle of the black void that is space. The two rely on each other to overcome the odds and survive in one of the loneliest, harshest, and most frightening places imaginable.
Gravity is a major achievement on nearly every level.
Alfonso Cuaron's direction is pitch perfect. Gravity is an EPIC movie. After all, it is about space in all of its beauty and mystery. Cuaron shows us just how enormous space is, and this might be the closest any of us will be to seeing space in all of its glory. However, amidst all of the vastness of space is true intimacy. Cuaron finds just the right moments to shift the focus on his protagonists so that we never forget the humanity of the film at hand. And it is in these intimate moments that we are nearly choked up. Cuaron is an obvious master of visuals, for Gravity actually gave me goosebumps throughout. The imagery is that dazzling. If you can see this film in 3D, it's even better, for the 3D is the best I have ever seen -- gorgeous, rich, and substantive yet unobtrusive. In addition, Cuaron is also a master of emotion, for I felt everything from fear to sadness, wonder to awe. This is perhaps the best direction that I have seen in a motion picture this year.
Gravity is the most technically flawless film of 2013. Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is absolutely stunning. Steven Price's musical score is extraordinary. The visual effects are some of the best I have ever seen. (I seriously don't know how this film was made. Gravity is unbelievably realistic). The editing is seamless. And the sound design is breathtakingly brilliant. This is a masterclass in how to make a motion picture.
Gravity is also masterful because of its performances. George Clooney is terrific and charming in that he brings both humor and warmth to this tense and occasionally frightening film. And Sandra Bullock gives one of the best performances of her career in what is one of the most challenging roles of the year. She stuns with honesty and grace. She carries this entire film, and we feel every emotion through her. She says so much with so few words. This is a jaw-dropping performance.
So what prevents Gravity from being a perfect film? Its script. Alfonso Cuaron and his son Jonas Cuaron co-wrote the beautiful screenplay. While it is filled with moments of rich brilliance, it lacks a hefty story. Gravity is almost entirely about visuals and emotions. However, the story lacks some depth that really could have made the film a masterpiece. For example, Gravity is an incredible, visceral experience that must be experienced in theaters. But if you watch this on a small TV at home will you have the same experience? I don't think so. This is a rollercoaster ride that must be seen on the biggest screen possible with the biggest speakers possible.
Who knows when we'll get another moviegoing experience like Gravity that is so unbelievably extraordinary? I have no idea. Gravity is a one-of-a-kind film that will stand the test of time.
Ryan (Sandra Bullock) is an intelligent engineer who is conducting some research while on her first journey through space. She is joined by the veteran astronaut, Matt (George Clooney). Things seem comfortable at first -- peaceful, quiet, and serene. But things turn dire once a Russian missile strikes a satellite and sends a wave of debris hurtling towards Ryan and Matt. Soon, the two people are sent flying into the middle of the black void that is space. The two rely on each other to overcome the odds and survive in one of the loneliest, harshest, and most frightening places imaginable.
Gravity is a major achievement on nearly every level.
Alfonso Cuaron's direction is pitch perfect. Gravity is an EPIC movie. After all, it is about space in all of its beauty and mystery. Cuaron shows us just how enormous space is, and this might be the closest any of us will be to seeing space in all of its glory. However, amidst all of the vastness of space is true intimacy. Cuaron finds just the right moments to shift the focus on his protagonists so that we never forget the humanity of the film at hand. And it is in these intimate moments that we are nearly choked up. Cuaron is an obvious master of visuals, for Gravity actually gave me goosebumps throughout. The imagery is that dazzling. If you can see this film in 3D, it's even better, for the 3D is the best I have ever seen -- gorgeous, rich, and substantive yet unobtrusive. In addition, Cuaron is also a master of emotion, for I felt everything from fear to sadness, wonder to awe. This is perhaps the best direction that I have seen in a motion picture this year.
Gravity is the most technically flawless film of 2013. Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is absolutely stunning. Steven Price's musical score is extraordinary. The visual effects are some of the best I have ever seen. (I seriously don't know how this film was made. Gravity is unbelievably realistic). The editing is seamless. And the sound design is breathtakingly brilliant. This is a masterclass in how to make a motion picture.
Gravity is also masterful because of its performances. George Clooney is terrific and charming in that he brings both humor and warmth to this tense and occasionally frightening film. And Sandra Bullock gives one of the best performances of her career in what is one of the most challenging roles of the year. She stuns with honesty and grace. She carries this entire film, and we feel every emotion through her. She says so much with so few words. This is a jaw-dropping performance.
So what prevents Gravity from being a perfect film? Its script. Alfonso Cuaron and his son Jonas Cuaron co-wrote the beautiful screenplay. While it is filled with moments of rich brilliance, it lacks a hefty story. Gravity is almost entirely about visuals and emotions. However, the story lacks some depth that really could have made the film a masterpiece. For example, Gravity is an incredible, visceral experience that must be experienced in theaters. But if you watch this on a small TV at home will you have the same experience? I don't think so. This is a rollercoaster ride that must be seen on the biggest screen possible with the biggest speakers possible.
Who knows when we'll get another moviegoing experience like Gravity that is so unbelievably extraordinary? I have no idea. Gravity is a one-of-a-kind film that will stand the test of time.
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