Best space epic since 2001

Rating: 10/10 (6 October 2013)

More than a generation distances Gravity from the film 2001. But between those two films, all other space movies pale in comparison. Usually those other movies had some awful "thing" lurking to eat, drink, and other wise destroy the protagonist in some horrible way. In 2001 the villain was HAL a benign entity created by man for man's use. Gravity has no such gimmicks.Space is the villain at least of a sort. But yet it is so beautiful. Matt Kowalsky's, played by George Clooney,beautiful line about the beauty of the Ganges River in the sun is so characteristic of the human mind even as Matt faces extreme adversity. Sandra Bullock was astonishing. Almost half the movie time she is on camera alone. Her eyes, her face, and even her breathing convey her emotions, fears, and what few hopes she might have had. Frequently we only saw her from within her helmet or from a reflection in a window. She sweeps the viewer along from one life threatening event to another. Her emotions were palpable. George Clooney who played Matt had the absolute confidence of a seasoned astronaut, who had seen it all. He was relaxed and cool, but always in command, the kind of person anyone would want along when trouble occurs. When Bullock's character was floating freely in away from the troubled space station, Matt's remained calm and cool. He knew exactly what had to be done. Eventually he calmed Bullock's character, thus saving her life, at least for a minute. But Gravity is Sandra Bullock's show. And she deserves what ever accolades that come her way. The film was beautiful, compelling, and frightening....In a sense the camera pulled the viewer into the movie. We become a participant even though our tether is our theater seat. Outer space was magnificent, awesome, and The movie 2001 was pedantic...deliberately so, dealing withe the metaphysical evolution of life. The director chose to hammer the viewer over his head with his philosophy. However, in Gravity, the director and the writer dabbled in symbolism but certainly not into the metaphysical.For example the last few minutes of the movie makes makes a beautiful statement about humankind.
There was little humor in the film 2001. However in Gravity, there were some great moments especially in the beginning where Matt is establishing his character. Also there is a dandy send up on a Bugs Bunny cartoon. And don't miss the ping-pong paddle floating freely in the Chinese Space Station.
If possible, see this film in 3D and IMAX. I got a stiff neck dodging space debris ranging from pens to hunks of machinery.... And I go back to Bwanna Devil and the The House of Wax, the very early 3 D hits.