The Oscars are coming right up this evening and I thought I'd finally get around to my review of the film I think should take Best Picture tonight. This opinion is based of course on the 6 of 9 movies I actually got around to seeing. Gravity makes me appreciate being planted right here on the ground. Matt Kowalski (George Clooney, ER) is an experienced astronaut doing a routine mission with Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock, Speed), who is up there for the first time. Stone is a medical engineer who was sent up to fix some computer on a satellite. Whatever, not important, because what ends up happening is a tale of survival for the two of them in this terrifying space drama by Alfonso Cuaron (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban). The Russians blow up one of their own satellites for God knows what reason, and this sets off a chain reaction of debris when it hits another satellite and that debris heads straight for our protagonists.
First off, Gravity is a visual spectacle. I more of a practical effects guy, but what they did with this film blew me away. It is at least 90% digital effects and it is so seamless that you don't even notice. You really feel like you are up in that emptiness of space with them. The shots are all beautiful too, from the flying debris to the sunrise over the earth to an amazing shot towards then end of more debris falling to earth. There was also a lot of detail put into the framing of shots, visual details, and structure of the film itself. While the movie is about trying to survive a disaster it also more about Stone's overcoming a personal tragedy and realizing that she want to survive and live. It is a story about faith and rebirth. One of the most beautiful shots is when Stone makes it to a station and takes off her suit in the zero gravity. It is framed with her in the fetal position looking like she is in the womb. She had a tragedy back on earth and had been losing purpose and this shot takes place when she realizes that she actually is glad to be alive and would like to stay that way. There is also a lot of religious imagery from Jesus to Buddha to Marvin the Martian....wait what? :)
George Clooney in this film plays his usual character. He's good as the cocky, handsome astronaut. He however doesn't make it long (not a spoiler, I think it was given away in the trailers). He does put in a real good performance though. Sandra Bullock, however is the "star" in this vehicle (pun intended). I feel it is definitely her best performance to date and worthy of the Oscar nod. The emotion she puts into this role is amazing. What is also amazing is her choreographed, graceful almost dance like moves through zero gravity. I'm not sure how they were filmed, but you can tell they couldn't have been easy. The actors, for the most part, were not working with much for visuals since it was all digitally added later. So, she had to have memorized all her marks and had to hit them right. And she did so gracefully.
Overall, I think this movie was simply the best of the year. Visually striking, excellently acted. There was definite suspense with many of the scenes having me on the edge of my seat, while still having a touching story of rediscovery. It is on it's last legs in the theater run, but if you can still see it in the theater I would highly recommend it. And I really don't care for 3D most of the time, but I would actually recommend this one. It is very well done and adds a depth to the vastness of space. In short, go see this movie.
Rating: ********** (10 out of 10)
Memorable Quote:
Ryan Stone: "Clear skies with a chance of satellite debris"
No comments:
Post a Comment