Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland
Markus Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language
Now playing at Century 20 Oakridge Mall in San Jose, California:
Screw “The Blind Side”! Where’s Sandra Bullock’s Oscar nomination for “Gravity”?! Not a spoiler, but while this film does star Bullock and George Clooney, this is Bullock’s movie, in the same way “Cast Away” was Tom Hanks’ movie.
Disclaimer: Yes, I am aware that the Academy Award nominations have not yet been revealed. Stop being a smart ass.
From the initial sequence (which happens to be one of the greatest long takes I have ever seen) “Gravity” contains a nonstop barrage of emotionally breathtaking visual sequences (with even the POV working exceptionally well) an emotionally draining string of events and a handful of shots, so powerful (on a technical and emotional level) that they will simply leave you speechless, as you gaze upon the screen for 90 minutes.
The two reasons people may be apprehensive to see "Gravity” are:
1. They think that it’s going to be like “Open Water” and they thought “Open Water” was boring. The fact is, “Gravity” is more like “127 Hours”, which is definitely not boring. But more importantly, the greatest difference between “Open Water” and “Gravity” (and I really enjoyed “Open Water”) is that one contains Oscar worthy direction...and the other is “Open Water”.
2. They think that because it is set around someone stranded in space, it is unrelatable. While the plot’s relatablitly may come under well deserved scrutiny (I mean, how many of us are ever going to find ourselves stranded in space with George Clooney?) it doesn’t take anything away from the movie’s suspenseful nature and entertainment value. Plus (and this may be getting too artsy-fartsy) writer/director Alfonso Cuaron has constructed his film in such a way, that while it is about a situation a vast majority may not be able to fathom, the themes of isolation, regret and mortality make “Gravity” more relatable than most Hollywood dramas set on Earth.
Flaws: With visuals as masterful as these, a lackluster story could have the potential to be seen as a blemish on an otherwise beautiful face. And admittedly, the story here is ultra simplistic (Synopsis: Sandra Bullock is an astronaut. After an accident leaves her stranded in space, she must figure out a way to get back to earth before it’s too late). Yet, as this movie progresses, the more and more I seemed to develop an appreciation for how well the story was put together. This doesn’t mean that there weren’t flaws within “Gravity” that didn’t bother me a little. The biggest one being: Near the end, “Gravity” contains some sequences of forced Oscar bait, punctuated by a few lines of melodrama. But, even in this case, said flaws can be forgiven in an IMAX theater.
Final Thought: As I alluded to earlier, aside from the stunning (the Oscar for best director goes to…) visuals, the fact that “Gravity” works as a straight story as well as a metaphor, gives the hardly-there plot a tremendous amount of heft and complexity. “Gravity” is a true triumph in filmmaking, which leads me to my final line. A final line which I never thought I would be compelled to write in all my years of film criticism: I wish I had seen this movie in IMAX 3D!
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