great effects, middling drama

Rating: 6/10 (29 December 2013)

An astronaut with a tragic past finds herself alone in space after a catastrophic event engulfs her shuttle. It is only through facing certain death that she re-discovers the will to live.
This is perhaps the most immersive, compelling use of the 3D format to date, though given that the format has failed to live up to its potential, that is not exactly high praise. The arena of space is thoroughly explored in 3D, and the swinging camera, extreme close ups and mammoth wide shots suitably convey the claustrophobia and agoraphobia that space must engender in astronauts. Sound design is also persuasively authentic, though the screeching soundtrack that cuts before silence in the open sequence could have been toned down a decibel or two. The special effects are top notch and clearly the film's biggest selling point. They unashamedly draw attention to themselves, which unfortunately means they work at the expense of the narrative.
The plight and journey of Bullock's character would have been much more cathartic if more thought had been given to dialogue and tempo. Instead, she swings from one mini-disaster to another, Bullock apparently channeling Annie Porter doing her best to drive that bus in 'Speed.' Bullock's performance is engaging rather than outstanding. Clooney, on the other hand, is simply miscast. Like the effects he is too obviously cinematic, too much his cheeky, charming self, too much a reminder of the artifice and Hollywood-ness of it all. I suspect a more grounded character actor like Stanley Tucci might have excised this role of the frivolousness Clooney's presence inspires.
Wonderful effects, a considered deployment of 3D, and a story that is enjoyable if not exactly sublime, make this a good outing for those who enjoy event cinema. Like Avatar, this film's weaknesses will come into sharp focus on DVD. And with a running time close to 90 minutes, the filmmakers should win awards for economy and self-discipline. Big screen cinema, but not one to re-visit.