Gravity: Life in space is impossible. Gravity starts with this simple, but truly powerful statement. Not only does it introduce the frightening setting of space perfectly, it also is a perfect metaphor for life itself The plot is simple, a NASA crew is on a mission to repair a broken satellite, and during this mission a Russian spy satellite is shot down. But it doesnt go down it explodes and causes a swarm of debris that circles the Earth and destroys everything in its path. And they are in its path. Its a very straightforward narrative made to emphasize its characters. Gravity in its heart is a thriller built around intense set-pieces full of destruction and a single character arc that applies universally. This is one of the most technically dazzling movies of all-time. Co-writer/director Alfonso Cuarón deserves every bit of praise that he received. The film is built out of long takes. The camera floats and turns, almost like it is in outer space, minimizing jarring cuts that bring you out of the action. These continuos shots are truly brilliant, they grip you, almost like you are out there with these characters. Cinema at its most involving. And in having this camera work, they do not sacrifice beautiful cinematography. It is gorgeous. Many scenes play out silently, but every nuance and little detail is captured and brought to your attention. The brilliance of showing, not telling. This movie is almost entirely digital. It is a world, brought to you with painstaking attention to detail, and completely innovative visual effects. Zero G has never been done like this before. This is digital filmmaking at its best, when it used to improve the story, not purely for spectacle. However, there is quite the spectacle. The debris storms are some of the most exciting and pulse-pounding sequences ever captured. They dominate the movie, but there is more to Gravity than spectacle and destruction. The initial debris storm only leaves two surviving members of the crew. Sandra Bullocks Ryan Stone and George Clooneys Matt Kowalski. Matt is a career astronaut on his final mission before retirement. Stone is on her first mission. This difference is essential to the story. Kowalskis coolness is the perfect counter for the anxiousness of Stone. However, Matt is not a fully fleshed out character. This movie was not made for Matt. It is about Ryan. Bullock is not the most talented actress, but she really gets this character. Another actress might have played it better, but I dont think anyone could have been more perfect for the role. We find that Ryan has nothing on Earth, no family, and really nothing to live for. The parallel is drawn that for her Earth is as empty as space. How is going back to Earth going to be any different, she might as well drift off endlessly into space. She holds on to past hardships, because they are the only thing left for her. But Matt tells her that she needs to let go, what you go through makes you who you are. It happens so you can grow, not to stop you from growing. Scenes of Ryan emotionally letting go are juxtaposed with scenes of her physically holding on for dear life. Earth is always in the shot, it becomes a reminder that life doesnt need to be empty. Her isolation in space, shouldnt be continued on Earth. Rebirth. That is the goal. Learn and grow, because life in space is impossible. 9.6/10
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 05:21:46 +0000
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