The Definition of Spectacular Filmmaking

Rating: 9/10 (6 October 2013)

What really makes a film great? In my mind, a film has to have some form of complexity whether it's through its plot/story or through its thematic material. At first glance, Gravity might seem like a simple action movie set in space, but once you notice Alfonso Cuaron's name in the credits, you suddenly understand that there's definitely more there than meets the eye, and that's exactly how it turned out to be. To analyze Gravity to the fullest extent would take numerous pages, which means my review would eventually outstay its welcome. Anyways, moving on, all you need to know prior to entering the darkened theater is that the film stars two of America's sweethearts (Sandra Bullock and George Clooney) and that it'll take you on an unforgettable and exhilarating ride. I don't need to cover the premise in four or five paragraphs like some people; frankly, it annoys me.
But I just have to dedicate a fair share of time to address the level of immersion this film provides. Again, it's one of the most immersive experiences you'll ever encounter as you really feel like you're in outer space, and I'm not exaggerating; I highly recommend all of you to go see it in IMAX 3D immediately before it's too late because that's basically the perfect format for a film of this caliber. It was meant to be experienced in IMAX 3D, and I can't say that for a lot of films, but by god, just do it. The sound design is unbelievably impressive. The filmmakers were somehow able to replicate the right vibrations and volume (considering distance and enclosure), and once that camera enters the astronaut's suit, you undoubtedly and unexpectedly feel the character's pulse and their every movement, required to deal with that encumbering outfit. And when you hear a thundering boom or the commencement of the film's phenomenal soundtrack, you'll probably then realize just how surreal and larger-than-life of a picture you're truly witnessing. The music itself implements so much energy into the feature where at times, it absolutely causes goosebumps or sends chills down your spine, and given the booming and grand surround sound in the IMAX 3D room, you will be left in awe and forced to the edge of your seat. Overall, it's chilling and terrifying at times and then impactful and resounding elsewhere.
On another and arguably more important note, you have the spectacular cinematography and visuals, which honestly serve as the highest draws and strengths of Gravity. The amount of work and the power of the technology put into this production is simply astounding, and as the audience views this unprecedented exhibition of multiplex filmmaking, they can't help but wonder how in the world this unforeseen feat was pulled off. How were the filmmakers capable of convincingly casting us into space, (seemingly) accurately capturing its frightening and remote ambiance? One might ruin the magic by insultingly responding with a "they used a green screen," but there's so much more to it than floating in front of a green screen. I can only imagine the effort put into the editing process, which had to perfectly sync every little detail and sound to the impeccable camera-work. Let me tell you: Alfonso Cuaron wowed the world back in 2006 with the work that was Children of Men in how it completely redefined the idea of lengthy shots. Relating back to Gravity, the first shot you see of the film (its opening in other words) lasts for about fifteen to twenty minutes- fifteen to twenty minutes! For that duration of time, the camera keeps on rolling, and in doing so, it moves from one focused object to another or character while countless events are occurring. How many takes did it take (oops, nothing I can do) to finally attain the perfect shot? Who knows but it's mind-boggling to even think about. The actors, the props, the cinematographer, the entire sound department- everyone! - were unquestionably under a lot of pressure while this technologically striking, visually beautiful, elaborated shot(s) continued. The picture only continued with this style as the rest still mostly consists of lengthy shots.
Unfortunately, even though the critics have loved raving about it on a constant basis over the last week, it's not a perfect film. I've read some reviews after my viewing, and I've noticed just how much exaggeration these critics have been incorporating into their opinions. Noticeably, I can tell why. There's been an abundance of hype and praise surrounding this picture, and no one wants to be the outlier; thus, they begin stretching the actual depth and thematic material of the film quite a bit. In reality, you can do this with almost any film in existence, but there comes a point when your reader can easily point out where you specifically start entering the field of bulls***. Truthfully, the film occasionally feels like it's moving at a slow pace. For some odd reason, most of the critics out there seem to be applauding its lightning pace, but that's certainly not the case. You could tell there were moments that calmed and slowed down, and as much as the film advertises you being on the edge of your seat the entire time, that's not how it really plays out. And, of course, the passionate fans will come out and pan someone for possessing attention span issues, but you can approach any film's haters with such an excuse/attack. Let's attack people for having attention span deficits when they complain about the Tree of Life's snail-like pace, but that's a discussion for another day.
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