I apologize for just now hopping on the Gravity ship. I saw the new film from Alfonso Cuarón two weeks after it opened, making me feel like the kid who missed a weekend party because of his chess tournament.
Before you throw your stones, I have to remind you that I am the father of a 3 1/2 month old. So don’t blame me. Blame the baby. It’s his fault I didn’t see Gravity until now.
Despite my tardiness, I decided to write about ten things that make Gravity awesome. Because it is awesome. I apologize if you talked about all this stuff two weeks ago. Actually, I’m not.
My infant son is.
10. The Long Takes
Gravity begins with a staggering 13-minute uninterrupted shot. That’s longer than my first relationship. In addition, there are about 200 cuts throughout the film. A number significantly less than most modern movies. This technique allows the audience to immerse themselves in the action. You almost feel like you’re in space. And, if you wore an astronaut suit to the theater like me, you’re in even better shape.
9. Gravity is Playing in 3D
This isn’t Smurfs 2 3D. The 3D tag wasn’t slapped on in post-production just to get all of us chumps to spend more money. Gravity is written for 3D, acted for 3D, shot for 3D.
Gravity is 3D.
Gravity and 3D are one. This has to be the best 3D film I’ve ever seen. That’s not saying much because I usually don’t see 3D films, but trust me anyway.
8. George Clooney’s Voice
If you’re stranded in outer space, what other voice would you want to hear over your radio other than George Clooney’s? Honestly, I don’t really know how Sandra Bullock’s character didn’t realize she was working with Ocean’s 11 himself. Clooney’s voice completely gives it away. He is a big star, she should have recognized him.
7. Apnea Training
Apnea refers to one’s ability to hold their breathe for an extended period of time. I’m pretty sure a copy of Gravity could replace any sort of apnea training out there today. During one sequence, I think I stopped breathing for at least a minute or so. It was all so intense that I had to buy an extra bag of popcorn on my way out of the theater.
6. It’s Beautiful
Gravity’s composition is truly a work of art. The angles, cinematography, and colors all converge together, creating a splash of brilliance. Gravity is a beautiful film to look at. Which is good, because that’s what you’re supposed to do with films.
5. Realistic Space Simulation
More than any other film, I left Gravity feeling like I now have a better grasp on what it must be like to float above earth’s atmosphere. Zero gravity has never been displayed so well. The only question I have is, how did they convince the actors to film in space?
4. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith is Missing from the Soundtrack
I was waiting for this Aerosmith tune to play during the final few minutes of Gravity, but it never happened.
3. Buzz Aldrin Approves
For those who hate America, let me remind you who Buzz Aldrin is. He was the second man to walk on the moon. Here’s what he said about Gravity: “We’re in a very precarious position of losing all the advancements we’ve made in space that we did 40 years ago, 50 years ago. From my perspective, this movie couldn’t have come at a better time to really stimulate the public. I was very, very impressed with it.”
WHAT!
You guys, despite his grammatical errors, we can trust Buzz. HE WALKED ON THE MOON.
2. It’s Got Heart
Gravity isn’t just about survival in space, it’s about how we as human beings cope with disaster on a personal level. Do we isolate ourselves and give up or do we keep going, despite the odds? Bullock’s character possesses a backstory that is, in a sense, synonymous with the overall plot of the film. Gravity may take place in space, but it is well grounded. See what I just did there with my words?
1. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock’s turn in Gravity will make you forget about Miss Congeniality 2 and All About Steve. Bullock gives the performance of a lifetime. When you stop and think about what it must have felt like to shoot in space, you’ll be wondering how she was able to pull it off.
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