Gravity (2013) - Film Review

Starring: Sandra Bullock & George Clooney

Screenplay: Alfonso Cuaron & Jonas Cuaron

Directed By: Alfonso Cuaron

Certificate: 12

 

When it comes to getting the science in sci-fi right, there are times where you have to suspend your disbelief to overlook inaccuracies. This isn't anything new, but 2013's Gravity, a blockbuster co-production between the UK and the US, appears to have its scientific accuracy firmly in mind. Could Gravity be the most realistic space experience we've seen to date, and does the film live up to the beauty that it conveyed in its trailers?

 

The vast majority of Gravity is set in Earth’s orbit, and mostly in open space. When conducting manual repairs on one of their satellites, Dr. Ryan Stone and Lieutenant Matt Kowalski are warned of debris approaching them from a destroyed Russian satellite. The debris becomes shrapnel, and the satellite they are working on is destroyed, sending Ryan and Matt plunging through space. From now on, its their mission to stay alive, and get back to Earth. Now this is a pretty easy-to-follow plot, but it's made much more complex and effective thanks to the time the film takes to get to know its two main characters. This is one of several things that elevates Gravity from a great film, to a pretty amazing one

 

As its trailers strongly suggest, the main hook of Gravity is its phenomenal production values. The look and technical quality of Gravity isn't just high, but it's off the charts. A near £67m budget has certainly being combined with immense talent, as this film is a visual treat for the eyes. The entirely-convincing weightless movements of the astronauts as they drift through space, or the amazing and clever sound design of being unable to hear a single thing, other than the comm in the spacesuit’s helmet, give one of the most realistic space experiences ever seen. For me, the highlights that truly show off Gravity’s production values, are the scenes of destruction in space as the satellites are ripped apart by the orbiting debris. This goes hand in hand with some wonderful direction from Alfonso Cuaron. As Ryan is tossed around space, the loose and fluid movement of the camera is almost ballet-like.

 

With the exception of voice acting, we only really follow two main characters here: Sandra Bullock as Dr. Ryan Stone and George Clooney as Lieutenant Matt Kowalski. This small cast doesn't end up restricting the film, but rather does the opposite. Gravity isn't a film trying to look at civilisations, but is more interested in exploring the desolate and silent world of space, where only a tiny portion of humans have, or will ever visit. Not to mention the fact that after the opening twenty minutes, Sandra Bullock is left to carry the film on her own shoulders. George Clooney's name may look good on the promotional material, but his role here isn't that large. However, when he is on screen, he gives a great performance, particularly during his last proper scene with Sandra Bullock. Sandra Bullock is the real star here, having to portray a NASA scientist on the verge of a breakdown for nearly an hour and on her own. It's far from being an easy task, but she definitely pulls it off. While this isn't Sandra Bullock's fault at all, I have some doubts as to whether NASA would really send such an emotionally vulnerable character up into space.

 

Aside from looking at the isolation of space, Gravity also takes the time to explore and feature some dark themes and brutal moments. Some scenes managed to genuinely shock me, such as the moment Ryan finds the dead body of astronaut Shariff, with the glass of his helmet smashed in and his face mutilated. Scenes of Ryan spinning around through space, combined with eerie red lighting were scenes that I also found surprisingly dark. Early in the film, there's even an incredibly moving scene of one character having to sacrifice themselves. The image of them slowly drifting away into space, knowing that they face certain death is incredibly powerful.

 

Whilst Gravity does get so much right, and it is one of the best films of 2013, I have one fairly big issue with it. We spend an incredibly long period of time with and watch Ryan as she tries to find her way back to Earth. This is the main chunk of the film, and while it is done well, it does drag a fair bit, especially on repeat viewings. If it weren't for the top-notch production values and occasional scene of destruction, I'm not sure the film would be as endearing. I’m not saying that this section isn’t at all entertaining, as there are many fantastic scenes to be found, that make you feel the sense of danger and desperation that Ryan has found herself in. Whilst these scenes are definitely worth it, I can’t just help but think that sometimes the pacing feels pretty slow at times.

 

So overall, with the odd problem put to the side, Gravity is a masterful film, and is as an essential watch for everyone really, especially regular film-goers. With production values that have never really been so high making it a real feast for the eyes, wonderful sound editing and design, superb performances from George Clooney, and in particular Sandra Bullock, as well as many scenes that are either dark or emotionally moving, why wouldn’t you want to watch this stunning film?

 

 

Gravity



9/10