Quick Review: Gravity (2013)

GRAVITY

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
OCTOBER 19, 2013

“Gravity” is many things, all of which are outstanding. “Gravity” is the best use of 3D to date, dealing on a layer of superb cinematography and directorial forethought to allow for things such as an extremely long take to open the film. “Gravity” produces the best performance of Sandra Bullock’s career, as Dr. Ryan Stone, a doctor and an astronaut, is brought along to help fix the Hubble telescope’s communication board. Think of the structure of “Gravity” as “Open Water” in space. Dr. Stone and fellow experienced astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are eventually stranded in orbit around the Earth with nothing but their suits, each others’ company, and incredible views. “Gravity” leaves you breathless. With stunning visual effects and an eye for shot composition that is truly exquisite, the tireless situations Dr. Stone faces might as well be called “Everything That Could Possibly Go Wrong In Space.” “Gravity” must be seen on the big screen, as it will lose a layer of grandeur when released on home video. Without the theater atmosphere, you lose he awe-inspiring views and utterly perfect sound design. Long takes and close-ups are my bread and butter, bringing unbeatable delight when used often and effectively, and “Gravity” holds on even until the very end, capturing as essence to filmmaking rarely seen. Alfonso Cuarón proves to be an auteur when it comes to cinema, bringing to life worlds that leave lasting impacts on the viewers, and hopefully, with “Gravity,” he will be rightfully rewarded.

RELEASE DATE
October 4, 2013

DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón

WRITTEN BY
Alfonso Cuarón
Jonás Cuarón

STUDIO
Warner Bros. Pictures

PG-13
(for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language)

DRAMA
SCI-FI
THRILLER
91 minutes