by: Connor Schoen
Although originally criticized for appearing to have a lack of a cohesive plot, the new film, Gravity, is rich in suspense and shock. The movie chronicles the journey of Ryan Stone (played by Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (played by George Clooney) through space after a clutter of debris destroys their space shuttle, Explorer, and kills the rest of their crew. The remainder of the movie is devoted towards showing their push to survive and illustrates true determination and fearlessness. With breathtaking visuals from above our planet and a keen first-person camera, the director, Alfonso Cuarón, displays a gripping and stunning story.
Aside from the captivating visuals, this film has a simple plot with a relatable message. Although calm and almost comical in the beginning minutes, it quickly becomes a jumble of chaos and confusion. Chunks of rock begin to pelt Explorer to destruction and crew members that were making jokes with Houston only minutes before were killed without warning. Stone, caught on an appendage of the shuttle, is flung into open space and waits to be recovered by Kowalski. They return to the horrific scene back at base to see that their beloved crew has been killed. In these beginning scenes, the danger of the situation begins to dawn on Stone.
Throughout the remainder of the movie, Stone and Kowalski strive to reach the International Space Station (ISS) before debris strikes again or their oxygen supply runs out. Although not present in their conversation, their internal fear is amplified by the loud sounds when they gasp for breath or grasp for a nearby object. Watching them rotate so high around the Earth implemented a second element of fear. The constant struggle also exemplifies their bravery and strength and shows the audience what true ferocity and determination are.
The strong performance of both Bullock and Clooney appears to be very much connected to the roles they have played in the past. Bullock, in movies like The Blind Side, has played a fierce individual who never gives up. In Gravity, she takes on the role of a newcomer Mission Specialist. Her character has to suffer through the death of a daughter. In her current circumstance, she acts worried, but it takes a while for her to let emotions get the best of her. Clooney, in movies like Ocean’s Eleven and The Descendants, plays a calm and talkative character who doesn’t express much emotion. In Gravity, his character resembles very much the same type of person as his previous roles by always staying calm and making countless jokes.
In addition to the main theme about determination, an outstanding cast, and clever camera angles, this movie paid a lot of attention to science and utilization of music. Many famous astronauts have claimed that the film is surprisingly accurate with its portrayal of the characters orbiting the Earth and the views they were able to see. Former NASA astronaut, Garrett Reisman, even claimed, “‘Gravity’ is the most realistic space movie ever. I mean, that Clooney guy looks just like me!” Physicists make minor claims about small inaccuracies but point out that Cuarón, along with the rest of his crew, has a solid interpretation of what space is like.
To accompany the on-point science, the music mostly includes small scores and beats that make this film all-the-better. Using a blank audio track or just the sound of breathing, the audience feels the loneliness and vast emptiness by which space is defined by. With repetitive beats that crescendo into suspenseful climaxes, the movie maintains constant feelings of stress and fear. Bullock’s screams make the picture almost seem like a horror movie or a sci-fi thriller. By the end of the film, many audience members find themselves gripping their seat or simply awestruck by what they’ve just witnessed.
With all that it offers, Gravity is a definite “A” movie that would be enjoyed by anyone over twelve. Some feel it is too intense for younger audiences, but it will mostly be a stressful experience for all. The suspense it creates practically puts the viewer in the situation right along with Stone and Kowalski. The only reason it wasn’t rated an “A+” film is that it is almost exclusive to IMAX. With vibrating seats, a large screen, and the whole 3-D experience, the movie is enhanced tremendously and is definitely not the same as it would be in a regular theatre. Still though, Gravity remains a masterpiece among modern films in the way that it illustrates the internal conflicts and ultimate struggles that we all face.
