One of the films of the year. This is the platform for future space films.

Rating: 10/10 (27 November 2013)

Contains mild peril is the brief accompanying the release of Gravity, however the problem with this vague statement is that it doesn't tell you if that is aimed towards the characters of the film or the audience members. It also doesn't help that to me being cast adrift in space, with nothing to grab a hold of, doesn't sound like mild peril it sounds mega peril to me! For ninety one minutes Gravity does not hold up. Even the calmer moments are filled with peril because let's face it would any of you want to work on the side of a space craft in the depths of space? This film has it all; tension, action, stunning visuals, strong performances, catharsis, cheese, and tears. It is only ninety minutes but boy does it cover some ground. Or space ground. Or no ground.
Sandra Bullock is Doctor Ryan Stone (that's right apparently her parents were hoping for a boy, a sure fire sign she has parent issues), a first time space traveller brought onto the last mission of Matt Kowalski, a veteran astronaut who is determined to break the record of the most hours accumulated space walking. Stone is fragile, struggling to cope with her new environment whilst Kowalski sees it all as a zero gravity playing field, that is however until debris from a broken down satellite sparks a chain reaction in Earth's orbit and sends shrapnel heading straight for them. On destruction of their ship the two astronauts are left to float with one objective in mind; making it back home.
What instantly sets Gravity apart from the rest is the stunning visual element that Cuarón has used in telling this story. Not only does it look breathtaking on the big screen it also does justice to the use of 3D. Most films use it as a gimmick or a cash grab but with Gravity it feels entirely necessary. Cuarón wants you cast adrift as much as the characters are and by creating greater depth he has achieved just that. In 2D it is bound to still look stunning but in comparison it may look flat. The sound is also critical to the development of the film. The non-digetic sound is loud, building to a climax that leaves you in silence. It pounds along hinting towards the sense of danger and adds to the tension soon to come. The digetic sound on the other hand is quiet, dull, and non-existent. Other then hearing the characters through their radios the atmospheric sound is as if you were in space with them. Drills are muffled. The destruction of space stations is made with a whimper. What Cuarón has done is given the audience the feel that they are right there alongside them and all by providing sound possibly recorded through a wooden door. Mild peril is as much for the audience as it is those characters.
The acting must also be applauded, especially from the inconsistent Bullock. At times her choice of movie has baffled many but here she proves why she is A-list. Having little to work with in terms of stage surroundings, she conveys the traits and internal conflicts of Stone as if she were real. What is incredible is that the character is fairly generic and has little in terms of back story but little is all Bullock needs to work with as she convinces that Stone has a past and is determined to reach the future for the sake of all she has been through. We are right there with her and if you don't will her to survive then Cuarón has failed to immerse you, which I find highly doubtful. Clooney is also the arrogant contrast to Stone and is the cool, calm charmer that we expect from him. His character is less developed but he is there to shift the attention to Bullock, who is left to drive home the themes of human nature and how having little going for your life doesn't stop you fighting for survival.
Every elements of the film is of the highest standard. The weakest element is possibly the script, with the ham-fisted dialogue, but Cuarón and son get away with this due to the awe inspiring visuals. That is not to say the visuals should make a story better but when an entire space station is ripped apart to the sound of echoing silence within the frame, with a solitary female astronaut floating in the middle of it all attempting to avoid certain death, then I think one or two corny one liners can certainly be forgiven.
If you haven't seen this yet then don't wait for the DVD, get yourself out there and see it on the big screen to experience it in all its glory. All the elements make up for a fascinating original movie which the film world is seeing less and less of each year. You want to sit on the edge of your seat for ninety minutes being dragged through space than this is the film for you. It is the closest experience to a fairground ride I have had in the cinema. Do not miss it. It is one of the movies of the year.
Rating: 5 / 5
Directing: Cuarón's camera decisions have you floating right there with the characters.
Acting: Bullock gives the performance of her life. Clooney oozes charm.
Script: The weakest element of the entire production but isn't deterring in the slightest.
Cinematography: Stunning, absolutely stunning. The use of light is a contrast to their situation.
Score: Loud but silent. You just won't understand till you hear it through big blaring speakers.
Editing: This was edited? Wasn't it all done in one shot? The first 13 minutes certainly were.
Overall: One of the films of the year. This is the platform for future space films.