Gravity (2013)
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
Primary genre: Science fiction
Secondary genre: Thriller
Nominated for: Best picture, director, actress, cinematography, film editing, production design, sound editing, sound mixing, visual effects, original score
Won: Best director, cinematography, visual effects, film editing, original score, sound editing, sound mixing
It took a long time for Alfonso Cuaron (7 years to be exact) to make “Gravity”, his next film after the critically successful "Children of Men" (2006). Employing ground breaking technology and pushing the limits of a physical performance, “Gravity” attracted millions of movie goers around the world. Yet, how does it stand in the test of time?
A high concept at its core, “Gravity” utilizes a straightforward approach that employs the clichés of disaster flicks although Cuaron’s script (which he co-wrote with his son) brings a multilayered notion to the catastrophic proceedings by dealing with the themes of loss and hopelessness in the most extreme environment of them all: space. Each moviegoer will form their own opinion by the time the closing credits will roll whether they are influenced by science, acceptance or more simply, faith.
The incorporation of realistic dialogue carries the film an extra mile towards believability with plausible scenarios and appropriate emotional and physical reactions that strengthen the story without relying on OTT dramatics. Small pauses amidst all the chaos give some room for the audience to breath with a just about right duration and although it looks that the plot might have one space disaster too many, it is hard to be critical towards a film that celebrates in such fashion life. While most movies of this caliber tend to over-indulge in shallow (but impressive) special effects, devoid of any engaging material, “Gravity” tip toes this line with finesse. Purists might be alienated with its simplistic storytelling but there is grace to be found in non-complex movie.
Cuaron takes his much discussed one take sequences and applies them in the expansive canvas that is space. With choreographed long take shots that move in gravity defying angles (supported by photorealistic special effects), “Gravity” is truly an immersive experience and the closest thing we have so far to a space simulator. He gives the audience the time to absorb and experience the space disaster from the character’s point of view; a FF perspective that demonstrates how disorienting space can be is certainly a stroke of genius, while his command on the minimalistic sound design with the complementary and sound busting score of Steven Price dress the film in novel ways that have not been seen (or heard) before. But despite all the excitement on screen, the reward rests in the quieter moments, far and few between panic inducing segments: a moment of relief, a first step or just a gaze towards the cosmos can mean so much when someone is facing the end of the rope.
With an army of digital artists, “Gravity” looks and feels real much to the credit of several individuals who spent hundreds of hours to present a realistic space disaster and pushing the envelope of photorealism. The clear and meticulous shots, the stellar (but digital) cinematography of Emmanuel Lubezki (“Sleepy Hollow“ (1999)), the top notch sound and production design are award worthy, complementing each other to present a unique experience that really comes once in a lifetime.
Sandra Bullock is front and center giving a restrained dramatically performance. While spending months to train in "zero gravity", a grueling and painful process where one cinematic minute could be 2-3 days of shooting in suspended rigs and wires - she manages to make a stoic and humane character her own with Cuaron capturing nicely her will to survive against overwhelming odds. George Clooney on the other hand remains as cool as Clooney can be under the extraordinary circumstances although he is later rightfully eclipsed by Bullock’s career turn performance that shines throughout the movie.
"Gravity" was and still remains an incredible cinematic experience. With state of the art digital effects, a remarkable central performance, nifty little touches that give meaning to the story and the best direction you will probably see in the last 20-30 years, it is not only a technical achievement that changes the rules and reinvents the adventure genre but a future footprint for others to follow. Beginners in directing, take notes. You will need them.
A monumental experience
+Direction
+Incredible and photorealistic special effects
+Striking cinematography
+Anxiety inducing music and sound design
+Gripping set pieces
+Bullock's best performance in years
+Multi-layered script
-A bit too long for such a story