Advances in CGI technology have come a long way in the past decade. I mean, go back now and look at the first Lord of the Rings film compared with The Hobbit and there's an exceptional difference. And LotR looked GOOD. It was impressive and noteworthy. Then came Avatar, the game-changer that almost no one will admit that they actually liked, because it's kind of, well... gay. But, it does make you wonder how after the improvement of CGI that Avatar gave us we still get shitty CGI in movies? Why do most movies still use archaic CGI that looks like you're playing a video game instead of watching real life? Well, as much of a game changer that Avatar was a few years ago... Gravity has stepped it up even further. It is literally the most beautiful movie that I've ever experienced. Not watched. Experienced.
Alfonso Cuaron, along with his son, has written a movie that will literally keep you on the edge of your seat. This film is the reason movie review cliches were invented. Because they exist to report on films as gripping and explosive and tense as Gravity. It's not a movie. It's a 90 minute thrill ride that you don't have to stand in line to ride for four hours. It's as simple a plot as you can get, too. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are two astronauts that have to survive the vastness of space after their space station is ambushed by satellite debris. The problems only build upon themselves and get worse and worse, though I didn't think it possible to be in a worse situation than spinning uncontrollably while floating towards the abyss of space. That's all it is. Two characters trying to make it home with no real solution in sight. And it's perfect.
Those with heart problems, back problems and pregnant women should be advised that Gravity is an intense roller coaster and should take a good hard look at themselves and decide if it is worth it. Holy God is Gravity intense. I think people who watch the trailer gravely underestimate how truly terrifying being detached from anything in the middle of space actually is. I got mild bouts of vertigo just watching the film and there's nowhere to actually fall where they're at. Visually, it may be the best CGI I've ever seen in a film. But, it's Curon's camerawork and direction that enhances the experience. The opening of the film is a single shot that lasts upwards of twenty minutes. He'll hold steady as one of the characters is blasted off the ship with no control over personal movement, then slowly catch up to the actor and come inside the suit for us to see exactly what is happening from that point of view only to escape it once more and give the audience that deep-seated uncomfortable feeling of helplessness. Sometimes the camera will act as a dock and sometimes it'll float in zero gravity with the actors, but it doesn't get annoying or provide nausea feelings, it actually feels like you're floating in your seat.
Bullock and Clooney are fantastic and perfectly cast as well. Bullock has always had good instincts as the heroine of a film. She's never entirely sure of herself, but always has the will to survive. Clooney is perfect as well because he's able to stay suave and confident even in the most sincere case of mortal danger, and we believe him. He's able to look death in the face and make a joke. It's a testament not only to the acting of the film, but to the writing as well that we can follow only two characters for an entire movie and still feel as attached as we do. Like I said earlier, it's not just a movie. It's a ride. So, even though there's only two of them, you're part of it as well. You're floating right next to them looking for the next answer that is sure to have it's own set of problems. It's a gorgeously terrifying film.
One thing, though, that I have to stress is to see it in 3D. 3D has become a gimmicky novelty as of late and one that's [thankfully] dying out quickly. But, there are those very few films, much like Avatar, that are ONLY meant to be viewed in 3D. They were shot in 3D, with the purpose of being in 3D from the beginning, intentionally to add to the story. And it does add to the story. The experience seeing it in a regular theater would be vastly different than the 3D one I saw last night. If you can spring for the few extra bucks, I'd also recommend IMAX as well. What better to see a movie about the infinite expanse of space than watching it on the biggest screen you can possibly sit in front of?
Alfonso Curon has literally made one of the best films of the year. This is one that no one should wait to go see because while it will always be a good movie, you need to get on the ride. It has to be viewed in a theater, with stupid yellow 3D glasses, and a bucket of popcorn. It's a marvel to see and much like any defining piece of art, Gravity has pushed new boundaries. It should have much staying power, because until the next bit of computer technology is discovered or invented, this is the cream of the crop right here.
A
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