Film Title
Gravity
Director
Alfonso Cuarón
Starring
- Sandra Bullock as Dr Ryan Stone
- George Clooney as Matt Kowalski
Visually arresting, thrilling and often quite moving, Gravity is one hell of a film to sit through. Under the creative direction of Alfonso Cuarón and a powerful turn by Sandra Bullock, Gravity is an exhilarating thrill ride with an emotional heart about a dramatic race for survival against all odds.
Dr Ryan Stone is a rookie medical engineer on her first spacewalk, partnered with the more experienced astronaut Matt Kowalski, on what is to be his final space mission. They are attempting to fix a problem with the Hubble Telescope. Kowalski is a humorous old veteran of space travel with a multitude of funny stories to tell as they set about fixing Hubble, whereas Ryan is a nervous relative newcomer with a painful incident in her past( the death of her young daughter) that leaves her with emotional scars and uncertainty.Just as they manage to fix the Telescope, they are warned of a planned strike on a defunct Russian satellite, which has caused a cloud of debris to head their way in a chain reaction. Soon enough, the debris arrives with devastating impact and Stone and Kowalski are left tumbling through space and fighting for their lives in a void of darkness. With communications down and oxygen supplies running dangerously low, it is up to Stone and Kowalski to find a way to survive and make it back to Earth. Prepare for a spectacular but intimate movie that throws you into the terrifying reality of being cut off from all communications but also shows the determination we must use if we wish to live on.
The first thing to compliment Gravity on is its visuals which are nothing short of beautiful. The film opens with an uninterrupted shot that circles Stone and Kowalski as they fix the Telescope and reveal the shining Earth below. From this opening shot, you are just in awe of the beauty of it all. When disaster strikes, the use of point of view shots and tracking shots as Stone spins precariously into danger make for tension-filled viewing as we are put in her terrified shoes and made to endure her pain. The claustrophobia of these scenes is palpable and Cuarón perfectly plays them as terrifying by taking us on this dizzying ride of uncertainty as to whether these characters will survive this disaster. Throughout Gravity, Alfonso Cuarón gives masterfully sublime direction, perfectly complimenting the visual scope but also the intimate and emotionally stirring moments that abound underneath the spectacle. He deservedly won the Oscar for Best Director for his stunning work here that gives us a spectacular view of space but a terrifying yet beautiful evocation of the human spirit out of its comfort zone and trying everything to enable it to live on. While Gravity is very much a sci-fi thriller of the highest order, there is at the centre of it a very human drama about the need for survival and letting go of painful memories. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the scene of Stone finding solace in the air lock of another ship and curling up in a balletic fashion into the fetal position in a symbolic rebirth. The evocative score backs up the themes of terror and determination with subtle instinct and ever-growing power, before building to a crescendo of beautiful and heartfelt exhilaration as Stone begins to discover her inner strength.
Sandra Bullock turns in what is to me her best performance to date as Ryan Stone. She carefully imbues her with a fragile vulnerability as she has to contend with fighting for her life whilst also grieving for the daughter she lost back home. It is a physical and emotional performance that gives a human heart to Stone as we watch her use these painful experiences to her advantage and give her the determination to survive whatever is being thrown at her. On screen for the entire duration and for many stretches alone in a desperate fight for survival, Bullock has rarely been better than here and I hope she chooses more roles in the future that show of her excellent range of emotions. George Clooney is in a sense playing himself and adds a light touch to the beginning of the film when he tells his many stories before all hell breaks loose. Clooney though is overshadowed by the excellence of Sandra Bullock’s one-woman show.
Exhilarating, moving and spectacular, Gravity is a film that once seen is never forgotten for its powerful and stirring impact, stunning direction by Alfonso Cuarón and moving performance from Sandra Bullock.
Keith said:
Well said. It was my favorite film that year and it has stuck with me. Unbelievable experience.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment Keith, I’m really glad I watched it as it was as you said an unbelievable experience.
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garethrhodes said:
Great review. A fantastic film that dazzles the senses. Stunning achievement.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, dazzling is definitely the word. Everything came together amazingly in this film.
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CMrok93 said:
Like I’ve said before, love the look and feel of it, hate the script. Good review Vinnie.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, always appreciate your feedback.
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Cindy Bruchman said:
I agree with Dan. Good review, Vinnieh.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Cindy, I really enjoyed writing this review and I’m glad it shows.
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jeffro517 said:
It’s interesting that people came away with such differing feelings about this one. I liked, but I need to see how the repeat value is.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, yeah I’ve heard people having differing opinions on this film.
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Tom said:
Glad to see another fan of this one. ‘Gravity’ blew me away.
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vinnieh said:
It’s so breathtaking isn’t it. I liked how it had such a huge spectacle yet managed to be both intimate and touching as well.
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The Telltale Mind said:
Still haven’t see this yet, but have it in the queue. Good review!
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vinnieh said:
I highly recommend seeing this, it is such a breathtaking experience that is hard to forget.
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Mark Walker said:
You point out many of Gravity’s plus points, Vinnie. I can’t argue with the visual spectacle or Cauron’s direction. He deservedly won the Oscar that year but I had done issues with it. The story didn’t resonate with me and I also thought Bullock was highly overrated. However, the film itself is a masterclass in terms of it’s sheer wonder and space exploration. Visually, it knocked my socks off but I felt the story a little hollow. I still gave it a healthy 4.5 stars, primarily, for its technical achievements, though.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Mark, always good to hear your opinion. The visuals and sheer scope are the real stars of this movie.
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sidekickreviews said:
Gravity is a film that I’ll gladly rewatch many times over, it’s a visual marvel and thrilling space movie. Great review!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, it’s just such an amazing experience to sit through. The sheer vision of space and the direction of Alfonso Cuaron are masterful to say the least.
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Consumed by Film said:
Excellent write-up. This was a powerhouse last year. Haven’t seen it since then – might check out how it holds up away from the big screen.
Adam.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Adam, it has such a powerful impact doesn’t it?
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Consumed by Film said:
Certainly does. Especially that final sequence.
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vinnieh said:
That is one amazing final sequence that was really moving at the same time.
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Abbi said:
Watching Gravity was one of most tense experiences I have ever had in the theatre. Great review!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Abbi, super tense. When Stone was disconnected and send spinning through the void, I don’t think I breathed.
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alexraphael said:
So glad I saw it at the cinema! Bullock was especially superb. What a visual feast.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Alex, Bullock was so good in this movie and very moving in the role.
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timneath said:
Great review, I can only watch this in 3D now, it was so immersive at the time, feeling like I was out there. It was never really about Clooney, very much a Bullock vehicle which she makes her own.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting, I felt so immersed in the film because of the visuals. As you said it was Bullock’s vehicle, and she was outstanding in it.
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timneath said:
Definitely so, I think as actresses of her generation are growing older they are getting better parts, even with the same argument for maturer actresses who struggle. What they do get allows them to really shine.
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vinnieh said:
I definitely agree with that comment. I always liked Bullock in comedy roles, but her talents were really on show here and she was so moving and convincing in this dramatic departure from her usual romantic comedies.
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timneath said:
The same goes for Jennifer Garner back in Dallas Buyers Club, the comedies get them out there, push them, but don’t stretch their abilities really.
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vinnieh said:
I still haven’t seen Dallas Buyers Club, but I heard some very good things about Jennifer Garner’s work in it. Thanks for reminding me I need to see it.
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timneath said:
Your welcome, I waited nearly as long as you, so many films still to watch haha
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vinnieh said:
There are so many movies I need to see, my watchlist is packed with titles that still need viewing.
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timneath said:
Mines very much the same Vinnieh.
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vinnieh said:
At least I’ve got this year to rectify watching some of these movies that I should have watched ages ago.
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timneath said:
I’ve come across a whole new library that can improve my list so be prepared for some classics.
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vinnieh said:
I look forward to reading them man.
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timneath said:
And yours too
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment.
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Paul S said:
Great review. Although I had some minor issues with the plot and dialogue, Gravity was a visual masterpiece! The ‘something I haven’t seen before’ line can get overused, but this film definitely warrants it.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Paul, the visuals were just out of this world( pardon the pun).
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Hypersonic55 said:
Cool review yo, very well written. I really liked Gravity when I saw it. If you ever wanted to see the most realistic depiction of space in a film, it come no better than this film. The attention to detail with the visuals and sound is incredible and the unsettling and unpredictable nature of space is so nicely done in this film. If I had to say any negatives about the film it would be that it’s ending while I liked it, is a bit questionable and I think the film loses some of it’s edge if you’re watching it at home on DVD or Blu-ray (unless you have a good home cinema system).
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vinnieh said:
Really appreciate your comment.
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Three Rows Back said:
Quite right. In the cinema Gravity is something else. I’ve not seen it since and wonder how much impact it would have on the small screen.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting, this film had such an impact on me. It was breathtaking to watch but also very moving.
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That EJ said:
I still haven’t seen this one yet. I wasn’t sure it appealed to me, but I rate Cuaron highly and trust him completely. I think your excellent review has finally convinced me to check it out. Thanks!
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vinnieh said:
If my review has convinced you to watch it, then I’ve done my job. Let me know your thoughts on it if you do get to see it.
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That EJ said:
Absolutely I will, whenever I do. And for the record, you do an awesome job on your site.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, it means a lot.
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The Film Fetishist said:
Awesome review! I loved this film. I love Space, but find it absolutely terrifying. Only thing was, I HATE SANDRA BULLOCK! She reminds me of a wet flannel, so that was my only qualm!
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vinnieh said:
I actually didn’t mind her in this film, but to each their own.
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The Film Fetishist said:
Most people like her! She’s not bad in this film at all, I just can’t stand her… No idea why though!
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Jordan Dodd said:
I should give this a re-watch, I do remember some decent amount of suspense. But Bullock is just so bad! Not to mention her character has nothing interesting about her except a lost baby which just seems like a cheap way to make her seem more interesting. As for Clooney, its obvious he isn’t even trying. I recently watched the Coens BURN AFTER READING. Seeing Clooney in that, then Gravity… I dunno, he just looked like he was on autopilot.
As for the visuals, I can’t stand CGI, and will continue to until they can actually make it look really. This looked good, but it didn’t look real, which bothered me. Plus when the shit hits the fan. Bullock is just waaaay too relaxed looking.
All of that said though I think it is time to give this one a second chance. I’m pretty sure I will still hate Bullock in the role but hopefully I get more from it a second time around. And perhaps I should go in without the negative attitude that I surely went in with the first time i watched this.
Great write up mate, got me thinking
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vinnieh said:
Thanks buddy, really glad my review has made you consider watching it again.
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Jordan Dodd said:
🙂 I always like to give movies second chances. i have a feeling i won’t love it, but going in without such a negative mindset I’m sure I’ll pick up on some of the better moments
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HusbandAndHusband said:
This movie really tugged at my heartstrings. It was very moving and very unexpected. I really enjoyed watching it.
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vinnieh said:
I was a wreck during some of it myself.
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JJAzar said:
You make a great point about how Clooney’s stories added brevity to what is ultimately a human story.
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vinnieh said:
I liked how his stories were helping calm Ryan down and keep her going. That scene where she reveals what happened to her daughter makes me tear up.
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JJAzar said:
Heavy stuff indeed.
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vinnieh said:
You could hear the pain in her voice and it summed up why she was up in space. It functioned as a way to escape the grief and focus on something else.
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JJAzar said:
Interestingly, Interstellar has a comparable scene with Matthew McConaughey breaking down at the sight of a video message from his daughter. THAT was heavy as well.
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vinnieh said:
I’m a sucker for emotional scenes in films.
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vinnieh said:
On another topic, while my blog is mainly focused on movies, I do take the time to cover other subjects. This post was done to encourage men to be vigilant and check for any lumps and bumps. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2015/01/10/gravity/
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vinnieh said:
I sent you the wrong link earlier, a slip on the keys sent you the one for Gravity. Here was the serious one I was talking about. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2016/08/15/check-your-balls/
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JJAzar said:
No worries, I figured you misclicked! It’s an admirable cause, good on you for using your platform for something like that.
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vinnieh said:
I believe it is important to check for these things and be on the safe side.
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beetleypete said:
I still haven’t seen this. I never really fancied it, but will watch it if it is ever on TV.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Oh Pete, you just have to see this movie! It’s immense.
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beetleypete said:
Isn’t it just sort-of ‘The Abyss’, in space? Love story, sacrifice, that sort of thing, but with better CGI? I will give it a whirl one day, but Bullock can be hard work.
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vinnieh said:
I haven’t actually seen The Abyss yet Pete, it is still a blind spot for me. I found this to be an exhilarating and moving film. And if you ever had any doubts about Sandra Bullock, her performance here is exceptional.
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beetleypete said:
That’s good to hear, because I have a lot of doubts about Sandra Bullock.
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vinnieh said:
What doubts are they Pete?
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beetleypete said:
Just her acting skill really. It is erratic at best, and it often feels as if she is ‘acting’, instead of being in the character.
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vinnieh said:
I prefer her in dramas, she has shown skill and heart there. I don’t mind her in comedies, it’s just at times they can feel repetitive. Hope she does more drama.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Fantastic review Vinnie! I absolutely loved thi movie!😊
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vinnieh said:
It’s a real roller coaster ride isn’t it? And Sandra Bullock’s physical as well as emotional performance was sublime.
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