Gravity (2013)
When we first meet medical engineer Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), they are working on repairs outside their shuttle station. It’s established early on that the two are opposites, it’s Stone’s first time in space, she is reserved and focused on the task at hand while Kowalsky, a veteran, is literally spinning around, incessantly chattering.
Before long they receive an emergency call, warning of a storm of debris headed their way. Just as predicted, it flies towards them at a catastrophic speed, tearing apart their space shuttle, killing their colleague and leaving the duo adrift in space.
Kowalsky maintains a brave face while Stone slowly begins to shut down, her anxiety increasing the frequency of her breathing which begins to drain her oxygen supply a lot faster than intended.
If sci-fi isn’t your thing, don’t be put off by reviews categorising it as such. Yes, the film is set almost entirely in space, but this is a character study, a story of survival and in that sense, could be set in any environment.
Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien) gives us a visceral experience like no other. The simple story takes second place to the visuals which create an incredibly interactive experience. One minute they’re picking up the audience and taking them along for the ride, the next they are cutting them off in extremely claustrophobic situations.
Stone’s backstory certainly gives Bullock a lot more creative room than Clooney, his purpose existing for the seemingly never ending banter keeping the mood light when it should be anything but. Kowalsky is an optimistic guy who knows everything is going to be okay in the end, but the difference with Stone is we’re not sure she necessarily cares if this is the case.
The pace is engaging and the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. The plot starts out as believable, but you’re soon finding yourselves suspending disbelief more frequently as it continues. When things go wrong, they really go wrong, but when they need to go right it also happens a little too easily. For the most part this really doesn’t matter, helping move things along a little quicker, but ultimately it’s what separates Gravity from being a five star film.
With effects nothing short of extraordinary, Gravity will take you on an intense, 90 minute ride and more than likely you’ll enjoy every moment of it.
★★★★
CSJ 
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I saw Gravity last night at Imax which was quite extraordinary. The visual effects made it appear as though I could stretch out my hand and touch it. There’s no doubt that the film was incredibly well put together in both design, effects and visuals, however there were aspects of the story I was a bit stumped by. I left asking myself why George Clooney was even in the film. I think his role could have been played by anyone and it was so short lived. It really was a Sandra Bullock film and should have had George listed as a support actor. I also found the scene where she was hallucinating a little odd. I don’t their relationship would have had him having a ‘d and m’ with her. It would have been more of a ‘kick up the backside’. But having said that, it was her hallucination. What did you think Chloe?
Apart from that, awesome film, make sure you see it at Imax and you’ll definitely get the most of the effects. Thanks for the review Chloe.
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