The modern 2001: A Space Odyssey

Rating: 8/10 (19 January 2014)

Despite the phrase "In space, no one can hear you scream" being taken by Alien, a movie that would better suit this phrase is Gravity. The tension of being alone in an uninhabitable environment is perfectly captured here. Heck, there is even a moment which can only be described with that phrase (more on that later).
Before I go any further, I want to say that Alfonso Cuaron has concocted a modern Sci-Fi masterpiece that utilizes tension and emotion at every conceivable turn. When I first glanced at the run-time, I almost balked (because I'm used to 2 hour-plus movies). However, Cuaron manages to make the most out of every single second on screen. Not since Alien have I seen a Sci-Fi film this pulse-pounding. A huge credit to Cuaron (on a further note, I still need to see Children of Men) can be given to the seemingly immaculate camera-work at display here. Almost every shot is one of pure wonder.
In fact, Cuaron's direction results in an outstanding performance from Sandra Bullock (who I admittedly had not really cared for). It is a performance that evokes the independence of Ripley from Alien at some points, an intense sense of fear/nervousness at other junctions, and an undeniable lust for life at even more routes. It is truly a masterfully executed role that should receive an Oscar.
For most movies, the visual effects are used to cover up weakness in the writing, acting, or direction. However, this is not the case with Gravity as the special effects enhance an already-strong movie. Giant effects extravaganzas such as the chaotic mass of debris striking the satellites may provide eye candy, but they also serve to exasperate the dire situation that Dr. Stone is in. Yet, the film also impresses with the little details. For example, Dr. Stone must escape the ISS due to a fire, but one scene earlier, you can clearly see sparks (or loose flames) off in the shot, creating foreshadowing.
Stephen Prices's Original Score captures all the right notes. For much of the movie, the score captures a distinctly minimalist feel, but it is a feel that accentuates the already tense film. In fact, much can be said of a soundtrack that manages to create tension from a moment where all sound is abruptly cut off (such as when Dr. Stone hallucinates Matt entering the shuttle). However, an equally glorious contrast late in the film create a fitting sense of finality whenever 's is re- entering the atmosphere. If decided the Oscars, this would get Best Original Score.
Throughout the entirety of the movie's duration, I could not help but be reminded of "2001: A Space Odyssey." The isolation, vastness, and emptiness of space are appropriately documented in both films and both films contain (for their respective eras) fantastic special effects. However, Gravity feels like a tighter, more polished experience that can be appreciated as a film-goer's film. 2001, however is a movie that is all about atmosphere, which renders it harder for the modern viewer to appreciate (I do enjoy 2001, just so you know). Whichever film is better is all a matter of personal opinion, but now we have two great movies about isolation in deep space.