A very good but simple movie

Rating: 8/10 (6 October 2013)

I went into Gravity not really knowing what to expect. I had seen the trailer and wondered if there was more to it than just a couple of people trapped in space. Gravity is beautifully filmed, well paced, believable and immersive but it is a very simple premise. I was never bored or frustrated by Gravity but I was waiting to be surprised by it and that never happened. I have seen many cases of this movie being compared to 2001: A Space Odyssey. While both movies present a believable space experience, 2001: A Space Odyssey had far more imagination, vision and depth. 2001: A Space Odyssey presented imaginative ideas and concepts that inspired the viewers own imaginations and thoughts. I don't think 2001: A Space Odyssey is a perfect movie but in those ways it is superior to Gravity. Gravity creates a more immersive space experience, it feels real, it looks real and in that way it is better but if you are looking for something more than that I don't think you will find it here. There is some interesting symbolism and undertones about life and death that add an extra layer to the movie but it isn't amazing.
Gravity does what it does incredibly well. It doesn't really do anything wrong, the visuals are gorgeous, the soundtrack is atmospheric, the effects are realistic, and the performances are genuine. This is an example of a movie that fires on all cylinders but its just a bit too simple to be phenomenal. Other films could learn a lot from Gravity but I don't think Gravity has enough imagination to be counted among the greatest movies of all time. Gravity should be experienced in theatres, it is a great space experience and I think it can be enjoyed by almost anyone.