Do you want to experience life (and get lost) in space? You have to explore Warner Bros’ Gravity!
From acclaimed filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron, it is an ambitious 3D sci-fi thriller of survival against force of nature. It tells the story of Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), a brilliant medical engineer who is on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone–tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.
I’ll start by encouraging everyone to spend P400 just to see this film in IMAX 3D. I don’t think watching it in regular 2D theaters will give your viewing justice. With the IMAX theaters’ enormous screens, you’ll be able to appreciate and see clearly the attention to details. The 3D is not just a backdrop to give the unneeded depth of dimension but it’s a part of the overall experience. It didn’t feel like a gimmick to add in extra bucks like other blockbusters which shouldn’t even be presented in this format. It is essential and enhances your viewing. I can say that it’s the most effective utilization of the technology I have seen so far this year.
Early in production, Marion Cotillard, Scarlett Johansson, Blake Lively and Natalie Portman were previously approached for the role which eventually ended up for Sandra Bullock. Bullock proved she was a superb choice and carried the weights of the film with a subtle yet affecting performance. George Clooney supports her with an effortless charisma. When the film has to be dark and serious, he is able to offer a bit of a light side to take you away from the tense-filled scenario. They both gave Gravity the gravitas it needed without requiring a big ensemble cast.
With space films like Apollo 13 and 2001: A Space Odyssey in the past, one might ask what can this film offer? The plot is pretty straightforward but gripping. It’s a realistic take of surviving in space so don’t count on seeing extraterrestrial creatures anytime in the screen. I like the simplicity of the story but it’s not the film’s groundbreaking aspect. It’s the viewing experience that makes this film space-tacular! It pulls you into an immersive journey. It was as if you’re in space. Most of its achievements lie in Alfonso Cuaron’s stylish direction, Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography and the visual effects team producing a stunning visual masterpiece. They open the film in a breathtaking long take of space. Take note, 20 minutes without cut from the entrance of the space shuttle up to the crashing of the debris from Explorer! It was hypnotic and I was awe-strucked. Cuaron accomplished an impressive filmmaking feat. I’m excited to buy the blu-ray and check out the special features on how they achieved this single shot. I hope they include a featurette for that. One thing that I liked about Cuaron when he directed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was his keen eye for details and flawless transition shots. It was put to good use here. I like how the camera enters the astronauts’ helmets and show you their point of view. It helps you feel the situation more.
For what little flaws that you can find in it, the overall experience outweighs it all. Titanic and Avatar director James Cameron praised it as the best space film ever. For me, I agree it’s one of the best. The experience is a testament to it.
Verdict:
Don’t let go of the chance of seeing Gravity! Its groundbreaking experience will pull you in for a gripping and thrilling space-tacular adventure with solid performances from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney! IMAX 3D viewing is highly recommended for this visual masterpiece!
Distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines, the film is now showing nationwide in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters!
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About the movie reviewer:
Orange Magazine TV‘s newest film critic is a self-confessed movie geek. John Albert Villanueva loves movies so much, he watch every movies from the big screen and collects DVDs of classic movies. Read his other review here.
