There are some movies which deserve the term ‘experience’. They manage to completely transport you to another world or place and really make you forget about the world around you. Gaspar Noé’s Enter the Void was the last movie I used that term, but Gravity is also a movie which deserves that title ‘experience’. It’s one of those landmark movies which only appears once every few years.
This is a movie which feels epic even though it’s only about the survival of two astronauts after space debris threatens their mission. The reason for that epic feeling is because it’s only them versus the infinity of space. The movie shows that it is the most threatening and hostile environment you can imagine, especially if you don’t have anyone available to help you.
Gravity proves that you don’t need aliens or malfunctioning robots as an enemy to provide thrills or suspense. Space itself is sufficient for that. I can’t remember the last movie where I was at the edge of my seat, tensed up during the whole movie. I actually had to remind myself to relax a couple of times as I was starting go feel my muscles. Within a week I revisited the movie again and even though I knew exactly what was going to happen the second time around, the experience was just as intense.
In general I am not a fan of 3D and can honestly say that out of all the movies I have seen in the format there might only be 1 or 2 where I thought it added something. This movie however must be watched in the format (preferably in IMAX 3D) and that is a suggestion I rarely make. After watching this I looked at the trailer on TV and it just did not feel the same. The 3D really pulls you in and makes some situations feel even more perilous.
The visuals of the movie are extremely beautiful even if most of it consists of CGI. It is of such high quality though that you never feel like you are watching something which is created on a computer. It’s thanks to George Clooney and Sandra Bullock that you are not only in awe, but also care about these astronauts. It would not surprise me if Bullock would win another Oscar for her role as you will never think about her as the woman who has starred in a lot of romcoms. You care about what happens to her as her character is vulnerable, but also has to be strong because of what is going on around her. Gravity isn’t a movie you should see at home for the first time. You should head to the cinema as soon as you can, because this is a unique movie you owe yourself to experience in the best way possible.
I’m in 100% agreement w/ you about watching this in IMAX-3D, and that the film is completely immersive.
I watched it originally in a regular format, and then looked for it at the IMAX to watch it again there.
Yeah, I can imagine the difference is huge. I went the second time with my dad who had never gone to a 3D movie…he was speechless 🙂
Good review Nostra. One of the most visually beautiful movies I’ve seen since Avatar. However, that script did need some serious polishing.
You think so Dan? What issues did you have with the script?
I haven’t seen Blue Jasmine yet but honestly Cate Blanchett must be one of all time greats in this if people are saying she is better than Bullock. Bullock is currently my win, as is Clooney – they both did such an amazing job and really fueled this movie with emotions.
Cate Blanchett is very good, but Bullock really gives an amazing performance here. I’m interested to see Blue Jasmine though.
I didn’t see this is in IMAX 3D although I would totally agree w/ you that it’s an experience that everyone has to see. I think the same would apply for The Tree of Life 2 years ago as it’s one of those films where it has to be seen in the big screen.
But did you see it in 3D? If not you should really see it a second time in the format 😉
I did see The Tree of Life on the big screen, but it really wasn’t for me.
I have no intentions on seeing it in 3D. I’ve only seen one film in 3D in Avatar and while I liked the film. It wasn’t really worth the extra few bucks I spent on the film.
Nice review. Best movie I’ve seen in the year thus far. I saw it in regular 3-D, but feel like watching it again in IMAX.
Thanks! It’s worth seeing it a second time, that’s for sure!
Wow, a solid 10. Guess there’s no arguing with this.
I’m expecting Gravity to snag a nomination for Oscar (and a bunch of others), what would you expect it to win, Nostra?
No, not arguing there 😉
I think it will get nominations for best visual effects, possibly sound design/score and I’m pretty sure Bullock will also get a nomination. I think it has high chances to win for those.
Great review man. We don’t get this for another couple of weeks, which is annoying. Seeing all the positive reviews is making me super pumped for it. Just hope my expectations aren’t too high.
I had high expectations as well and have to admit that I still was not disappointed.
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