Gravity

2001: A Space Odyssey, which this film reminded me of several times during the screening, confronted man with the great unknown. In Gravity, like in the most classic folk tales (which are usually dominated by a man, not a woman), man is confronted mainly with himself and his (limited) possibilities. This is not the only indication of the film’s classic nature. Another wager on certainty is the three-act narrative structure (three sanctuaries provided by three space stations, each of which representing a different religion) with precisely doled out story complications and exemplary use of deadlines, which contribute to the impression that the things we see are happening in real time and thus nothing is decided and certain in advance. As others have previously described in detail, Gravity is gripping not in spite of but thanks to the use of classic Hollywood narrative formulas. The intensity of the experience is aided by limiting the narrative to what Dr. Stone sees, hears, knows and experiences, as she becomes our avatar for roughly eighty minutes. Perhaps during the most intense moments, we don’t so much fear for her life, but for the perspective that we might lose if we lose her. If there is no Dr. Stone, there will be no way for us to see. What happens in the global context is irrelevant. The film does not disrupt our emotional connection to the central character by dealing with any conflicts other than her internal conflict. Bad things simply happened (her daughter’s death, the debris impact) and now it is up to her to deal with them. In any case, the powerfulness of the Rd. protagonist’s rebirth (including the foetal position and the cutting of the umbilical cord) is due not only to the highly cohesive screenplay and the detailed technical rendering, but also to Sandra Bullock’s performance. Her “howling” at the Moon will remain in my memory as one of the most moving film moments of 2013 and, also thanks to Bullock, the purgative final shot, when the ordinary definitively becomes extraordinary, was also a powerful experience for me that goes beyond film (and beyond sensory perception). In my eyes, that moment, despite its content, elevated Gravity from the level of technical wonder and unique crisis simulator (not only in space) to an encounter with something otherworldly that cannot be described with words or conveyed in images. If we leave aside the theatrical reversals, we could even call it Art. 95% (31/12/2013)

Gravity is simply excellent. The premise, interpretation, acting performances and shots that are sometimes literally breath-taking are simply excellent. Alfonso Cuarón proved that even now a movie can be created which is able to overcome all kinds of film boundaries. Almost the whole movie takes place in zero gravity and creates a new atmosphere, which I haven’t experienced before. I admit that this movie would be even better in IMAX. I have to admit that after a long time there is a movie where 3-D makes sense. The only issue might be with the story, but personally it did not bother me at all. I will spoil a bit now, but I have to add that the movie 127 hours also proved how a coincidence can create a perfect celebration of life. So why it couldn’t be the same here? (16/10/2013)

So Murphy’s laws apply up there in the silence of space too... Straightforward or, if you like, story-less, minimalist but still grandiose. Gravity is unarguably a breathtaking technical revolution; whether the delicious games they play with the camera or the (non)presence of sound is indescribable and what Cuarón does for 3D or for working with sound is certainly innovative. But what is the good of this if the movie is no good and serves simply as a sparkling director’s showcase? That’s right, no good. But this movie is not just good, but outstanding, intense and incredibly engrossing and fully functional in terms of emotions. And this is not in spite of, but mainly to thanks to Sandra. And also thanks to Cuarón, Lubezki and Price and... And simply if you like to spoil yourself a little, then go see this (as far as possible) realistic, little-big creation at an IMAX movie theater; it’s (and you are) worth it and it gives you a good answer to the question “why when every other household owns a home theatre with the parameters of a good movie theater" bother to go see movies at a real life movie theater. It’s like standing in front of the pyramids in person compared to a photo of them in a movie; incomparable. (03/10/2013)

Gravity is not about its story, which is practically non-existent. We learn minimum information about the only two characters and we’re able to build an emotional connection to only one of them. Gravity is about conveying a feeling. It’s a space survival drama where you dodge flying debris, save oxygen and try to get hold of something. It is a distinctive and unique film in the filmmaking respect, one of a kind. But how long will it resonate within us given that it lacks a more powerful message or a more surprising ending? Thanks to Sandra Bullock, who acts as if her life depended on it, it resonates longer than it would have without her. There is no sense in seeing Gravity anywhere but on the big screen. (24/09/2013)

Alfonso Cuarón perfectly attacks the closest emotional impression, but after the first immediate danger fades, he inevitably slows down and only sporadically dramatizes. And at that moment, it struck me for the first time how perfectly constructed Gravity is as a space attraction. With the requisite plot development, excellent cast, and explosions, impacts, and accidents, and a well-deserved climax. In every escalating catastrophic moment, I felt like I was on the highest roller coaster at the point when it almost comes to a stop before plunging headfirst downward. Which is essentially somewhat simplistic, but it doesn't change the fact that the audiovisual aspect is amazing, and when Alfonso delivers one breathtaking moment after another, it is not unnecessary repetition but rather deserved boasting. Therefore, even though the survival space trip didn't completely blow me away due to its obviousness, thanks to its form and the obvious message about the power of human will, I can only wish it the best. (18/10/2013)