Every now and then there comes a motion picture that deserves just to be seen not so much for any one factor alone but because so very much of it tonally just feels about as perfect as it can get.
Now, this doesn’t mean such an immersive experience is necessarily one audience might agree with and embrace ‘just because’ it’s so well-conceived, shot, and executed. There can always be something about any story – its setting, its characters, its premise – that can serve to trigger a viewer in ways that might be insurmountable. Something as subtle as line delivery or an actor or actress feeling a bit ‘out of sync’ with the material isn’t unheard of, or there can be a small sequence or
exchange that functionally kills the forward momentum in ways that can’t be recovered. Still, when all of the pieces fit together so compellingly, the most critical watcher can still easily forgive the lesser bits if for no other reason than he or she feels it’s the right thing to do. We’re only human, after all, and sometimes it’s best to leave judging to a higher authority, no?
Gravity (2013) may or may not be such a film.
At the time of my writing this review, the production is a little over ten years old; and – in all honesty – it’s not a project I hear talked about all that much today. Though heralded almost out of the gate as an ‘instant classic’ (a term that I and many other loathe), the flick went on a garner accolades and awards throughout the silly season; and there are many who consider it a much needed shot in the arm to both actress Sandra Bullock and actor George Clooney’s respective careers. Personally, I didn’t think that was the case – both continue to be reasonable box office draws for their fans (though the Clooney contingent, I suspect, has never really been that large); and – if anything – Gravity might’ve given the pair a chance to re-establish themselves as once more capable of tackling a smart and thrilling adult venture.
Whatever the truth might be, I’d agree that Gravity is one of those rare theatrical events where the stars aligned favorably around a talented cast, a gripping script, and a visionary behind the lens. It’s a monumental achievement in intelligence and escapism combined, so much so that – yes – seeing it might very well change one’s perspective about what can and cannot be accomplished for the silver screen in the modern era. When special effects continue to redefine our love and appreciation for fantastic visuals, Gravity achieves orbit in a way that perhaps hasn’t quite happened before … and may never again.
(NOTE: The following review will include minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“Dr. Ryan Stone, an engineer on her first time on a space mission, and Matt Kowalski, an astronaut on his final expedition, have to survive in space after they are hit by debris while spacewalking.”
Readers, I’ve admitted before that there are some actors and actresses I just don’t understand the fascination behind; and, yes, I’m reminding you today of my thoughts on George Clooney.
Now, this doesn’t mean such an immersive experience is necessarily one audience might agree with and embrace ‘just because’ it’s so well-conceived, shot, and executed. There can always be something about any story – its setting, its characters, its premise – that can serve to trigger a viewer in ways that might be insurmountable. Something as subtle as line delivery or an actor or actress feeling a bit ‘out of sync’ with the material isn’t unheard of, or there can be a small sequence or
exchange that functionally kills the forward momentum in ways that can’t be recovered. Still, when all of the pieces fit together so compellingly, the most critical watcher can still easily forgive the lesser bits if for no other reason than he or she feels it’s the right thing to do. We’re only human, after all, and sometimes it’s best to leave judging to a higher authority, no?
Gravity (2013) may or may not be such a film.
At the time of my writing this review, the production is a little over ten years old; and – in all honesty – it’s not a project I hear talked about all that much today. Though heralded almost out of the gate as an ‘instant classic’ (a term that I and many other loathe), the flick went on a garner accolades and awards throughout the silly season; and there are many who consider it a much needed shot in the arm to both actress Sandra Bullock and actor George Clooney’s respective careers. Personally, I didn’t think that was the case – both continue to be reasonable box office draws for their fans (though the Clooney contingent, I suspect, has never really been that large); and – if anything – Gravity might’ve given the pair a chance to re-establish themselves as once more capable of tackling a smart and thrilling adult venture.
Whatever the truth might be, I’d agree that Gravity is one of those rare theatrical events where the stars aligned favorably around a talented cast, a gripping script, and a visionary behind the lens. It’s a monumental achievement in intelligence and escapism combined, so much so that – yes – seeing it might very well change one’s perspective about what can and cannot be accomplished for the silver screen in the modern era. When special effects continue to redefine our love and appreciation for fantastic visuals, Gravity achieves orbit in a way that perhaps hasn’t quite happened before … and may never again.
(NOTE: The following review will include minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“Dr. Ryan Stone, an engineer on her first time on a space mission, and Matt Kowalski, an astronaut on his final expedition, have to survive in space after they are hit by debris while spacewalking.”
Readers, I’ve admitted before that there are some actors and actresses I just don’t understand the fascination behind; and, yes, I’m reminding you today of my thoughts on George Clooney.
Whether he would agree with my stating that he’s the poster boy for the Institutional Left, the truth of the matter is that he and I would likely agree on absolutely nothing. As he – like so many in Hollywood – has used his platform to advance political ideas I think best left to the voters, I have tended to tune him out over the years. Even though I’ve seen him in several films over the years that I thought he’s been good in, he’s never displayed the skill level I believe so many in the press and intelligentsia have afford him. Good looks can buy you a career in our modern era; and Clooney likely has a fleet of them. I just don’t think he’s that accomplished an actor. This is where I diverge from the popular opinion and represent just my perspective.
Now – as I just said – he’s good in Gravity … but only good in the way that I’d likely christen any actor as adequate for the part. As space veteran Matt Kowalski, Clooney sounds the part of a grizzled astronaut, but he never looks authentic to me. Perhaps this is owed to the fact that he really isn’t in all that much of the flick as well as the fact that when he returns late in it, the moment plays out almost ridiculously with its presentation. (Without spoiling it … I wasn’t fooled.) In fact, this scene unfurled with so much a visible misunderstanding of science that I started laughing, at which point I better grasped what was happening in the moment; and I can only suspect others bought it. If you can’t suspend disbelief, then you risk being pulled out of the experience, and perhaps I’m getting a bit too deep in the weeds. Let’s just say I accepted the actor in the roll, but I think there are others who could’ve performed it more than capably.
In comparison, I do believe that Bullock was perfectly cast but perhaps not for the reasons many others might think.
Since she truly roared onto the theatrical scene in such mainstream hits as Speed (1994) and While You Were Sleeping (1995), Sandra Bullock has been a contender for the hearts of men (and women of a certain persuasion) around the world. While I’d argue that her talents might not exactly reach the heights of, say, a Julia Roberts or a Michelle Pfeiffer, there’s still no denying her ability to mold herself into just about any soul she needs inhabit on the big screen. Still, I’ve always found her underplaying certain scenes that might’ve been celebrated with stronger emotions; and I wonder if such a tendency has kept her from wider critical acclaim. (Again, folks, I’m not complaining; I’m merely offering my honest observations.) As such, she winds up feeling a bit more relatable – she could be your next-door neighbor who made it big in Hollywood – not sacrificing a bit of herself in roles but instead finding ways to enhance a character’s likeability. In Gravity, she both looks and sounds like some practiced brainiac who’s given the chance to step into the Final Frontier, and I’d argue that such congeniality endears her to audiences. They want her to survive, and they’re willing to watch her risk life and limb in the process.
Now – as I just said – he’s good in Gravity … but only good in the way that I’d likely christen any actor as adequate for the part. As space veteran Matt Kowalski, Clooney sounds the part of a grizzled astronaut, but he never looks authentic to me. Perhaps this is owed to the fact that he really isn’t in all that much of the flick as well as the fact that when he returns late in it, the moment plays out almost ridiculously with its presentation. (Without spoiling it … I wasn’t fooled.) In fact, this scene unfurled with so much a visible misunderstanding of science that I started laughing, at which point I better grasped what was happening in the moment; and I can only suspect others bought it. If you can’t suspend disbelief, then you risk being pulled out of the experience, and perhaps I’m getting a bit too deep in the weeds. Let’s just say I accepted the actor in the roll, but I think there are others who could’ve performed it more than capably.
In comparison, I do believe that Bullock was perfectly cast but perhaps not for the reasons many others might think.
Since she truly roared onto the theatrical scene in such mainstream hits as Speed (1994) and While You Were Sleeping (1995), Sandra Bullock has been a contender for the hearts of men (and women of a certain persuasion) around the world. While I’d argue that her talents might not exactly reach the heights of, say, a Julia Roberts or a Michelle Pfeiffer, there’s still no denying her ability to mold herself into just about any soul she needs inhabit on the big screen. Still, I’ve always found her underplaying certain scenes that might’ve been celebrated with stronger emotions; and I wonder if such a tendency has kept her from wider critical acclaim. (Again, folks, I’m not complaining; I’m merely offering my honest observations.) As such, she winds up feeling a bit more relatable – she could be your next-door neighbor who made it big in Hollywood – not sacrificing a bit of herself in roles but instead finding ways to enhance a character’s likeability. In Gravity, she both looks and sounds like some practiced brainiac who’s given the chance to step into the Final Frontier, and I’d argue that such congeniality endears her to audiences. They want her to survive, and they’re willing to watch her risk life and limb in the process.
Over all of this pomp and circumstance, director Alfonso Cuarón once again proved himself a master of visual wizardry unlike so many others who helm projects big and small these days. All one need do is check out the man’s IMDB.com profile to see that he’s practically cornered the market on award citations with an inconceivable 259 wins (at present); and viewers can rest assured that if he’s brought his singular style to the picture then it is, minimally, worth a view. Under his watchful eye, Gravity soars in ways that undoubtedly should inspire others to follow in such footsteps – with elongated scenes casually stringing what appear to be inconsequential snippets together only to conceal their importance for later in the ride. Accomplishing everything that he did in an environment allowing for weightless simulation is incredible; the fact that he’s able – with special effects work that truly raises the bar – to do so much more is a testament to the project’s 7 Oscar wins along with over two hundred other awards achievements.
Now … because I’m a bit of a nerd (yes, it’s true) … I’ll admit that I’m not entirely certain Gravity got all of the science absolutely correct. (As I said above, such narrative inconsistencies might fracture the ‘good time’ viewers have with any yarn no matter how winningly assembled, so I’m offering this as a cautionary observation.) Bullock’s character – Dr. Ryan Stone – goes an incredibly long amount of time after her spacesuit runs out of oxygen; and the script’s solution (again, not gonna spoil it) truly pushed me to the limits. Also – entirely from what I’ve both read and heard on guided tours at Cape Kennedy Space Center – I’m not convinced that her escape capsule could’ve survived the trip back to Earth in the manner in which it traveled on screen. While I might have a few other little gripes, I’ll leave that be because this is film, after all, and it’s only a representation of real life.
The short skinny? Gravity excels where others crash and burn. Enjoy it for what it is … a remarkable achievement in film history. Let’s hope it continues to stand the test of time.
Gravity (2013) was produced by Warner Bros., Esperanto Filmoj, and Heyday Films. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been coordinated by the fine folks at Warner Archive. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert … wow. The film both looks and sounds astonishing from start-to-finish. Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? This release is a two-disc pressing that truly gives viewers the opportunity to delve into every aspect of the production, including shorts about both the science and the filmed performances from every conceivable perspective.
Highest recommendation possible.
Readers, it’s perfectly natural for any of us to emerge from any theatrical journey with a quibble or two, but so very much of Gravity (2013) is about as close to perfection as I think it gets. Sure, I might have some issues with Clooney (just not a fan), or I might question whether the science truly hits the right mark or not; but the sheer entertainment value of the whole kit and kaboodle is the kind of payback one wants at successful conclusion to every blockbuster endeavor. Gravity is thrilling visually and emotionally, a rare convergence of everything that makes watching a truly great film reason enough to hope others can follow in its footsteps down the road. Well done.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Warner Archive provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray of Gravity by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
Now … because I’m a bit of a nerd (yes, it’s true) … I’ll admit that I’m not entirely certain Gravity got all of the science absolutely correct. (As I said above, such narrative inconsistencies might fracture the ‘good time’ viewers have with any yarn no matter how winningly assembled, so I’m offering this as a cautionary observation.) Bullock’s character – Dr. Ryan Stone – goes an incredibly long amount of time after her spacesuit runs out of oxygen; and the script’s solution (again, not gonna spoil it) truly pushed me to the limits. Also – entirely from what I’ve both read and heard on guided tours at Cape Kennedy Space Center – I’m not convinced that her escape capsule could’ve survived the trip back to Earth in the manner in which it traveled on screen. While I might have a few other little gripes, I’ll leave that be because this is film, after all, and it’s only a representation of real life.
The short skinny? Gravity excels where others crash and burn. Enjoy it for what it is … a remarkable achievement in film history. Let’s hope it continues to stand the test of time.
Gravity (2013) was produced by Warner Bros., Esperanto Filmoj, and Heyday Films. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been coordinated by the fine folks at Warner Archive. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert … wow. The film both looks and sounds astonishing from start-to-finish. Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? This release is a two-disc pressing that truly gives viewers the opportunity to delve into every aspect of the production, including shorts about both the science and the filmed performances from every conceivable perspective.
Highest recommendation possible.
Readers, it’s perfectly natural for any of us to emerge from any theatrical journey with a quibble or two, but so very much of Gravity (2013) is about as close to perfection as I think it gets. Sure, I might have some issues with Clooney (just not a fan), or I might question whether the science truly hits the right mark or not; but the sheer entertainment value of the whole kit and kaboodle is the kind of payback one wants at successful conclusion to every blockbuster endeavor. Gravity is thrilling visually and emotionally, a rare convergence of everything that makes watching a truly great film reason enough to hope others can follow in its footsteps down the road. Well done.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Warner Archive provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray of Gravity by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
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