Gravity

My review: Gravity

Hollywood's fascination with survival stories and resilience in the face of a disaster has always kindled the interest of the viewers especially considering the fact that it is fertile ground for awesome visual imagery and special effects treat. Usually it is either doomsday or alien attack or a genetically modified monster wreaking havoc. Refreshingly here comes a disaster movie which is set in space with first class direction and acting, above all one of the best making ever as far as the technicalities are concerned. "Gravity" is one hell of a visual extravaganza that transforms you to the space where you along with the protagonists in the movie experience the ordeal having your adrenaline pumping for about two hours and taking time to recover from the aftermath of it.

"Gravity" is one of those movie which you experience rather than you just seeing it. Movie makes you anxious, claustrophobic, resigned, hopeful, expectant, hopeless, nauseous, hallucinating and finally elated. The gamut of emotions that you go through while experiencing this movie is mainly due to splendid writing (Alfonso and Jonas Cuaron), brilliant performances from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, good direction (Alfonso Cuaron) and above all "out of the world" (literally..!) visuals and visual effects (Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki). 

Rarely we get to see a science-fiction movie that has loads of human emotions seamlessly built into the narrative and at the same time keeps the thrills and excitement going. It is a rare blend to achieve which the makers of this movie were able to accomplish. Partly the writers and partly the actors are responsible for it. 

George Clooney as the cheerful Lieutenant Matt Kowalski, the commander of the team on board the space shuttle, the Explorer. His casual and calm demeanor in the face of imminent  catastrophe makes him one of the most likable and memorable characters in a science fiction movie.  Sandra Bullock has a more physically demanding role to play with more screen time (she is there in almost every frame). She has worked hard to portray Dr. Ryan Stone on her first space mission who eventually becomes the sole survivor of the cataclysm. That the two were able to evoke the kind of emotional responses from the viewers in spite of being masked most of the time by the space suit that they were is a remarkable achievement indeed.

Steven Price's musical score relies at most places on the power of silence which is used to a great effect. "Gravity" is best enjoyed in a 3D cinema, preferably in a IMAX screen with  Dolby Atmos surround system.. 

On the whole, "Gravity" works to a great extent mainly due to its human content apart from stunning visuals, technical wizardry and the adrenaline pump.  

Bottomline: "Out of the world", quite literally 

4/5