Gravity
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No film has truly captured the sense of hopelessness and immense grandeur of infinite space until now. “Gravity,” the latest film by director Alfonso Cuarón, is Cuarón’s most thrilling yet, with captivating one-shot takes and unbelievable special effects.
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney play engineer Dr. Ryan Stone and astronaut Matt Kowalski, respectively, as they attempt to find a way back to Earth after heavy debris obliterates their space shuttle. This destruction is filmed in one continuous take, ratcheting up the intensity and excitement.
From there on, “Gravity” never lets up. Cuarón perfectly captures how terrifying free-floating in space is with scenes of Dr. Stone helplessly spinning far into the vast emptiness. There is no sound in deep space, and there is a haunting muteness in the powerful explosions. Mixed with the uncontrollable gasps of Dr. Stone from time to time, the effect is chilling.
A bombastic score dramatizes the action scenes, but it can be overbearing. It works best in the film’s serene moments, like when the moonlight shines on the Earth or the breathtaking sunrise.
Since “Gravity” really only has two roles, Bullock and Clooney needed to bring their best, and absolutely do. Bullock rises above the clichéd aspects of the unseasoned rookie, imbuing a solemnity and resolve within her. Clooney, meanwhile, is the older veteran constantly cracking jokes on the last mission of his career. It’s hard not to grin when he steps into frame or when he references his character’s romantic past.
The only minor faults occur when the action dissipates, and stilted and cheesy dialogue takes over. The script sometimes adheres too strongly to sci-fi tropes and overdramatic speeches. The quick pace of the film, however, never lets these scenes last too long, and the next astonishing setpiece is right around the corner.
“Gravity” is a technological masterpiece that pushes the limits of what special effects can do. Combined with sympathetic characters and a rapid story, Cuarón has crafted a sci-fi spectacle for the ages.
— Mac Gushanas
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