Superb cinematic achievement, but emotionally trying to watch

Rating: Null/10 (12 October 2013)

It is most natural to compare "Gravity" to "2001: a space Odyssey" (1968) which is entirely appropriate. But on a different plane, there is another rather relevant comparison: "127 hours" (2010). Both tell a story (one real, the other fictional) about an individual trapped in a most atrocious situation imaginable (or unimaginable, a better description) – a story of survival by sheer force of will power, equally unimaginable. In "127 hours" a man experienced in wilderness exploring is trapped in a sunken creek with his hand caught and stuck in the rocks. In "Gravity", a woman astronaut is trapped in space where the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of dying a lonely death in complete silence.
By this time, I believe it is not a criminal transgression into spoiler territory by saying that while there appears to be equal billing of the two leads, this is Sandra Bullock's show, perhaps even instrumental to her second Best Acting Oscar. George Clooney provides excellent support that is expected of an actor of his caliber, but support is support, and this one is not even a major support role. Another veteran actor, Ed Harris, supplies the voice of the contact at mission control at Huston. People who are familiar with him would be glad to hear that his voice is very recognizable.
With a staggering "Metascore" of 96 reported in IMDb (13 out of 18 giving it a "100") little else needs to be said about the excellent visual and sound that, for the first time, truly brings Space to the audience, or brings the audience into Space, whichever way you prefer to put it. And the vote is unanimous that this is one of the rare occasions when 3D makes a real contribution to the film. "Gravity" is a 90-minute cinematic experience not to be missed by anyway who is even remotely interested in motion pictures. But as my summary line suggests, this is not an easy ride, particularly during the first moments when the protagonist found herself completely alone, lost in Space. But things start to improve, misfortunes one after another notwithstanding, when determination and courage kick in, culminating in final triumph against all odds.