The trailers for Gravity have a very polarizing effect. It seems like the folks I speak with are either dying to see it or couldn’t care less about it. No matter where you fall in the spectrum, I guarantee you that you’ll walk away from Gravity with sweet satisfaction.
For those dying to see Gravity, filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) is a major reason for the draw. But for those casual moviegoers who couldn’t care less about Gravity, the trailers have made it look like nothing more than another Castaway or 127 Hours – which is understandable because, until this last week, 99% of what’s shown in the trailers and TV spots is from the first act of the film. We’re shown a disaster in space that leaves two astronauts stranded – one of which is left hurdling into the cold dark void of space. If that’s all the film was about, I would side with those folks – but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Sandra Bullock plays the lead in Gravity, Dr. Ryan Stone – a rookie astronaut working with NASA to repair parts of the Hubble telescope. George Clooney co-stars as the captain of the mission. While “space walking” around the Hubble, a field of debris unexpectedly heads their direction at the speed of a bullet. Communications are lost and the two are left stranded while this rogue debris field joins them in Earth’s orbit. With their oxygen supplies quickly running out and their shuttle completely destroyed, the odds of survival are slim. No oxygen, no shelter, no communications, no way home and a debris field coming back towards them like a monster from a horror flick, get ready for 90 of the most intense minutes you’ve ever sat through.
I recommend seeing Gravity on the largest 3D screen possible. If you can shell out the extra bucks for IMAX tickets, I definitely recommend it. Spare no expense. Without a doubt, Gravity is going to walk away with the Oscar for Visual Effects – amongst nominations for many other categories. I’ve never been to space, after seeing Gravity, I certainly feel like I have. The level of realism is unmatched. There’s not a bad special effect in the entire film. Enhancing the visuals is the 3D aspect. Even if you’re a naysayer of 3D, don’t settle for 2D. Gravity is the sort of film that truly warrants the expensive gimmick and ultimately and supremely benefits from it.
Nobody wanted to see Sandra Bullock not get an Oscar for The Blind Side more than me. Her performance didn’t warrant the accolade – but she definitely earns it in Gravity. As of now, she’s my forerunner pick for Best Actress. She beautifully brings the human element to the film. She gives you a reason to root for Ryan Stone’s survival. You’ll cheer her on like an underdog athlete and you’ll gasp for breath when she does. I don’t mean to put down Clooney’s performance – because his is great, as always – but Bullock is truly the noteworthy one here.
It has been a while since I’ve been this positively passionate about a film. Gravity is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The big screen is the only way to see it. Don’t settle for a home-viewing first experience. If you’ve been aching to see Gravity, you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re not interested in Gravity, I beg you to put aside your preconceived notions and take a leap of faith. You won’t be disappointed.
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
